The global demand for ginger and turmeric is on an upward trend. Along with spices, tea, and medicine, ginger and turmeric are some of the products considered to be healthy and have versatile uses across the world. 

Both ginger and turmeric are perceived to have health benefits for treating ailments such as stomach problems, diarrhoea, inflammation, and nausea. Turmeric is even considered to have benefits to those with heart problems, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Some of these perceived health benefits have been a major drive for pushing consumption of ginger and turmeric around the world, particularly in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has led people to become more cautious of the need for healthy eating. With Zimbabwe being home to some of the best organic produces around the world, there is potential for local farmers to tap into the growing global market for ginger and turmeric. 

Looking at the markets

The global trade bill for ginger has been growing over the past five years from US$853 million in 2015 to US$1,05 billion in 2019, representing a 23,4 percent increase, according to Trade Map. Major global importers for ginger are USA, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Germany. 

Of these importers, Zimbabwean farmers are already supplying the Netherlands with produces such as flowers and peas, which could provide a gateway for those intending to increase ginger exports to Europe. In Africa, some of the top 2019 importers of ginger, according to Trade Map, are Morocco (US$14,8 million), Egypt (US$4,4 million), Algeria (US$2,8 million), South Africa (US$2,6 million), and Nigeria (US$2,1 million). 

In the SADC region — where local farmers can leverage on proximity to supply the markets — some of the countries with potential to buy ginger from Zimbabwe include South Africa, Botswana, Seychelles, Namibia, and Angola. Mauritius, Zambia, and Lesotho can also provide markets for Zimbabwe-grown ginger. 

Some of the varieties of ginger most sought-after around the world include Rio-De-Janeiro, Thingpui, Wynad, Maran and Nadia. These are available in most markets throughout the year. 

For Zimbabwe, figures available on Trade Map indicate that exports of ginger and turmeric have been insignificant over the past few years despite massive potential to increase supply and dominate the regional and international markets. 

This is the same with turmeric production and exports. With regards to potential revenue, the price for ginger in major international markets has been averaging US$3,36/kg between August and November this year, according to International Trade Centre. 

For turmeric, the world import bill has been growing, as it stood at US$219 million in 2015 to US$289 million in 2019. 

There has been a rising demand globally for household consumption as well as from the medicinal industry. This means that demand will continue to grow.

 Major importers are USA, India, Iran, UK, Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, and Japan. 

Closer home, South Africa, Botswana and Mauritius are SADC countries that local farmers can target as potential markets. The commercially viable varieties include Alleppey, Duggirala, Armoor and Suvarna. These are available in markets throughout the year. Regarding potential revenue, turmeric has been selling at an average price of US$5,34/kg — with the highest price reaching US$9,11/kg — between August and November this year. 

Ginger and turmeric production

The production requirements for ginger and turmeric versus harvest and potential revenue from the two products are indications that local farmers have potential to earn significant profits more from the crop. First, ginger performs well under most soils found across the country, which means smallholder farmers and rural communities can join as producers of ginger for export. 

As a tropical plant, ginger requires more water and hot temperatures. In addition, ginger does not require complicated chemical requirements.

According to the Garlic Ginger Turmeric Growers Association of Zimbabwe (GGTG Association), when budgeting for first time production, the seed is the only input that requires a relative higher investment with costs around US$6/kg. 

However, production costs will go low as the first yield could be used as part of the seed for second production phase. Planting for ginger usually takes place between September and November when temperatures are high and harvesting usually takes place five to six months after germination. 

Information provided by GGTG Association shows that the seed requirement per hectare for ginger is 2 000kg, basal fertilisers of 1 250kg and 250kg agricultural lime. 

These requirements apply, following soil testing and other studies that can ascertain the actual requirements based on nutrients already available in the soils. 

As organic produce is earning more on international markets, farmers who are diversifying their products can take advantage of animal manure to feed ginger. Ginger production is not affected much by pests and diseases and most farmers have been growing it without the need for insecticides or pesticides. The projected yield from ginger production ranges between 15-20 tonnes per hectare. 

With regards to turmeric, it can be grown in diverse tropical conditions and requires annual rainfall of 1500mm or higher, according to iShamba — a farmers’ information services portal. However, in dry areas or during draught seasons, turmeric can be grown under irrigation. Turmeric can grow in many “soil types and well-drained sandy loam soils rich in organic matter are the most suitable, whilst poorly drained, rocky or clay type soils are not suitable”.

Turmeric is grown from rhizomes, which should be 40-50g in weight, with 1-2 buds for better production. 

According to AgriFarming online magazine, a seed rate of 2 500kg of rhizomes is required to plant one hectare of turmeric. Early maturity varieties can be harvested in seven months. From these figures, it makes it easier to maximise on numbers for smallholders who are looking to improve their exports of turmeric. 

Export requirements 

Local farmers looking to export to international markets should comply with food quality and safety standards such as Global GAP, Fair Trade and Verified Carbon Standards. 

These standards ensure that ginger and turmeric production does not negatively impact on human and animal health as well as the environment. Those targeting European market must ensure their products comply with the European Union legislation on control of contaminants in foodstuffs; control of pesticide residues in plant and animal products intended for human consumption; health control of foodstuffs of non-animal origin and plant health control. 

Other mandatory requirements in Europe are traceability and compliance in food and feed and labelling for foodstuffs. 

For those targeting regional markets, the requirement is that each shipment must be accompanied by a complete set of documentation respective of consignment size, including CD1 Form, Agro-dealer or Agro-producer Certificate, Phytosanitary Certificate, Airway bill and packing list. 

The agro-dealer or agro-producer certificates are obtained from the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) while the Phytosanitary Certificate is obtained from Mazoe Plant Protection Offices.

Export permits, which are required by Plant Health Inspectors and ZIMRA at export points are issued by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement. 

Further to this, the requirements for packaging stipulate that material used should protect the taste, flavour, colour and other characteristics of the product, protect the product form bacteriological and other contamination and not pass out any odour, taste, colour and other foreign characteristics to the product. 

On labelling, in most countries, allergens must be highlighted in the list of ingredients, especially for value-added ginger and turmeric products. 

Exporters must also take note of the language preferred by the importing country, such as Portuguese for Mozambique and Angola and French for DRC. 

Allan Majuru is the chief executive of ZimTrade.