Improved pit storage method for ginger rhizomes in Nepal Source FAO Strategic Objective 5 - Resilience, in FAO Keywords Ginger, quality, pit storage Country of first practice Nepal ID and publishing year 7712 and 2013 Sustainable Development Goals Zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production and life on land

Summary This practice shows methods to improve 1. Disease free and vigorous rhizomes and maintain the quality of ginger rhizomes for seed are selected to be stored selected for seeds through better pit storage immediately after harvest. For this technology. purpose, healthy and disease-free clumps are marked in the field when the crop is Description 6 to 8 months old and still green. In the predominantly rain fed area of Surket, 2. Rhizomes are disinfected with fungicides ginger is raised either as a sole crop, or as an and pesticides. intercrop. Seed rhizomes are usually planted 3. A circular or rectangular pit of about during March to April. Most of rural families 1 to 2 m depth is dug in a shady and living in remote places follow traditional well‑drained area, i.e. under the shade of methods for cultivation and storage, which a tree, provided water does not enter the are usually eco-friendly, less expensive, and pits. utilize local resources, knowledge and labour. 4. Pit walls may be coated with cow dung and disinfected with the same solution The improved pit storage method provides used in step 2 for rhizomes. If this is not cool conditions, ensuring freshness for possible, fire should be lit inside the pit to prolonged storage. Ideal storage conditions improve hygienic conditions within it. should have a temperature of 12 to 14° C 5. Prior to storage of the rhizomes, the top and a relative humidity of 65 to 75 percent. of the pit (up to 6 cm) is covered with Under these conditions, ginger seed grass and soil and is raised slightly above rhizomes can be easily stored for 5 to 6 ground level to prevent entry of rainwater months without damage and deterioration in into the pit. quality as it will minimize shrinkage, rhizome 6. A 3 to 4 cm layer of rice husk, saw dust, rot and improve germination capacity. straw or dry grass should be placed in the Approximately 350 kg of ginger rhizomes can bottom of the pit to serve as a cushion. be stored in one pit. Ginger rhizomes are 1. Implementation of this practice placed in layers with To implement a proper ginger pit storage, 1 to 2 cm of sand / straw TECA farmers need layers in between. TECHNOLOGIES and PRACTICES for SMALL AGRICULTURAL 1/2 PRODUCERS Post-harvest and Marketing

7. The pit is covered by a wooden plank with 3. Factors underlying success holes and plastered with thatch and soil • Temperature and relative humidity in the or cow dung in an oval shape. improved storage is well maintained. 8. A temporary thatched roof is made over the pit to lower the inside 4. Validation of the practice temperature and protect it from water • This practice was applied in Nepal. entry. Ventilation inside the pit can be 5. Agro-ecological zones maintained with the help of a pipe. • Subtropics, warm/mod cool Pits are to be inspected every 20 days 6. Objectives fulfilled by the project approximately to remove shrivelled and • Labour-saving technology (LST); disease affected rhizomes, and dried every • Women-friendly; 2 months to protect them from insect pests • Resource use efficiency; and and moulds. • Pro-poor technology. 2. Technical, economic, financial, social and environmental attributes of the practice • Improves efficiency of storage through improvements on traditional system. • Maintains quality of ginger rhizome selected for seed.

TECA TECHNOLOGIES and PRACTICES for SMALL AGRICULTURAL 2/2 PRODUCERS