**5.4 Ginger (***Zingiber officinale***)**

According to FAOSTAT (**Figure 4**), Nigeria is the third-largest producer of ginger in the world producing more than 300,000 tonnes between 2014 to 2018. The global ginger market share for Nigeria is about 11%, after only India (35%) and China (18%). Nigeria produces over 400,000 Metric tonnes of Ginger across the 36 states annually. Cultivation of ginger began in Nigeria in the year 1927 around Kwoi, Kubacha,

*Nigeria Root Vegetables: Production, Utilization, Breeding, Biotechnology and Constraints DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106861*

**Figure 4.** *Production/yield quantities of ginger in Nigeria.*

Kafanchan and Kagarko areas of southern Kaduna State and some neighboring parts of Plateau State, but it is now cultivated in different parts of the country [86]. Kaduna, Bauchi, Benue, Gombe and Nasarawa are the top five producing states of ginger in Nigeria. Ginger is now cultivated in Sokoto, Osun, Anambra, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Abia and Lagos states, but southern Kaduna remains the largest producer [87]. In Nigeria, two varieties (reddish and yellow) are commonly grown but different cultivars like UG1, UG2 and Maran are available in the country, UG1 produced higher yields than UG2 and it is reported to be more pungent [88]. Average yield per hectare is about 13–27 metric tonnes in Nigeria compared to the world average of about 35–40 metric tonnes.

#### *5.4.1 Seed selection*

Selection of ginger seed for planting as reported by respondents in Jaba region is based on the size of the tuber irrespective of the variety, those with width of about 5–6 cm and thickness of about 2–3 cm are often selected for planting. Apart from seed size, number of budding tendencies which is about 5 and above and non-physical damage to the tuber are also part of criteria for seed selection which is usually carried out after harvest around September to October.

#### *5.4.2 Planting*

As reported by respondents in the Jaba region, this is normally done in the month of April to early May. This is carried out manually after adequate moisture is ensured following successive rains. Planting entails digging with hoe, majorly by a male, while children or females drop the bud seedling in the hole and cover it. Planting distance is usually 10–13 cm side wise, this helps to reduce weed competition. After planting, the entire field is covered with dry grass to enhance quick germination and protect the seedling from the effect of sun heat. The dry grass is normally left on the field for about 1 month when the ginger is expected to have fully germinated, after which it would be removed and packed along the furrow to decompose.
