Comparative studies of three traditional methods of seed rhizome storage of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) practiced in Sikkim and Darjeeling hills

摘要

Ginger is an important crop for hundreds of farmers in Sikkim and Darjeeling hills, India. There are 3 traditional methods of seed rhizome storage, namely, storage in soil pits, storage in a dry, shady place, and storage in the field involving delayed harvesting. The first method is the best for small scale growers, but expensive and laborious for large scale growers. Storage in a dry, shady place is economic for the larger growers but there is a problem of rhizomes drying. Storage in the field bydelayed harvesting is not to be encouraged as it harbours rhizome rot causing organisms and pests.