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Agriculture is a massive contributor to the Indian economy, accounting for almost 17% of its gross domestic product (GDP). To meet the growing demand for food, the agricultural sector requires dedicated efforts in research and extension. However, despite its significant contribution, the agricultural industry faces several challenges, including poor connectivity, market disintegration, and small landholdings. This leads to a slow adoption of improved technology and unreliable and delayed information for farmers. Therefore, it is crucial to explore various ways to keep farmers updated with modern technologies and relevant information to ensure they can keep pace with the current technological era. Ginger, one of the oldest and most cherished spices, is renowned for its fragrance and pungency. While it originated in South-East Asia, ginger has been cultivated in India and China since ancient times. Today, India is the largest producer of ginger, with Kerala and Meghalaya accounting for almost 40% of the country's production. Ginger is commonly used for both flavoring and medicinal purposes, from food preparations to confectionery, beverages, and ginger candy/preserves. It is also considered a carminative and stimulant in medicine, and ginger oil is used as a flavorant in medicines and perfumery. In Mysore District, including Periyapatna, Hunsur, HD Kote Sargur, and Nanjanagudu taluks, ginger is one of the most important cash crops for farmers, providing vital income and livelihood security. However, for more than five years, farmers have been looking to move away from traditional crops such as tobacco, maize, and cotton to more profitable crops like ginger. This shift has proved to be highly beneficial, as ginger plays a significant economic role as medicinal plants, food flavorings, and nutritional supplements. Moreover, its demand remains high throughout the year, making it a profitable crop for farmers. However, one of the main challenges faced by ginger cultivation in Karnataka is the use of unbalanced and inefficient inorganic and organic fertilizers. Most farmers in Karnataka use inorganic fertilizers, which can lead to soil hardening and decreased environmental quality. One way to improve the environment and increase the yield of ginger is to use a minimum standard quantity of a mixer combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer. Organic fertilizers can improve soil conditions, which will, in turn, help grow and yield ginger plants. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of this minimum standard quantity of a mixer combination of organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are naturally occurring mineral sources containing moderate levels of essential plant nutrients that can mitigate issues associated with synthetic fertilizers. They reduce the need for repeated applications of synthetic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility by gradually releasing nutrients into the soil solution and promoting nutrient balance for healthy crop growth. Organic fertilizers also serve as a valuable energy source for soil microbes, improving soil structure and crop growth. Though generally slow-release and containing many trace elements, the improper use of organic fertilizers can result in over-fertilization or nutrient deficiency. Controlled release is, therefore, essential for sustainable agriculture yield. Organic fertilizers consist of plant-derived materials such as fresh or dried plant matter, animal manure, and agricultural by-products. Nutrient content varies depending on the source material, with readily biodegradable materials providing better nutrient sources. Nitrogen and phosphorus content is typically lower than chemical fertilizers, and moisture content can further reduce or dilute their nutrient concentrations, making it less cost-effective to transport high-moisture organic fertilizers over long distances. Analyzing nutrient content is recommended, as nutrient value varies with factors such as animal diet, bedding material, manure age, and storage method. Agricultural by-products have less variable nutrient content but may be affected by the production process. Types of Organic Fertilizers Organic fertilizers are produced from plant and vegetable wastes, animal matter and excreta, and mineral sources. One of their primary advantages is their complex biological structure. They are also easily accessible since they are made from locally sourced ingredients. Some types of organic fertilizers are: 1. Composts: Compost refers to organic waste that has decomposed through composting. Organic materials such as vegetable and plant waste, as well as animal excreta, are examples of such waste. 2. Manure: Manure is composed of animal feces (such as cow dung and goat droppings). Goat manure is high in nitrogen and potassium, while cattle dung is high in nitrogen and organic carbon. 3. Vermicompost: This is the result of the degradation of organic material by numerous species of worms, resulting in a diverse combination of decomposing food waste. 4. Bone Meal: Made from animal bones and other ground slaughterhouse waste, bone meal is rich in phosphorus and amino acids. It is also a slow-release fertilizer because it is organic. Inorganic fertilizer The term "inorganic fertilizer" may suggest that it is not a natural product, but it actually contains natural compounds. However, unlike organic fertilizers that occur naturally, inorganic fertilizers are formulated in a refinery. Inorganic fertilizers contain minerals and chemicals that are essential for plant growth and are readily available at most gardening supply stores. They do not need to decompose over time to supply nutrients, unlike organic fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers usually have balanced amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous that are vital for plant growth, and are derived from chemical processes like urea, ammonium sulfate, and calcium nitrate. Mined deposits like potash, phosphate rock, and lime can also be processed to create inorganic fertilizers. Some gardeners use inorganic fertilizers to treat malnourished plants, as the nutrients provide instant treatment. These fertilizers help nourish all parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, shoots, leaves, and blooms. To ensure effective plant growth, inorganic fertilizers must be applied at least twice within a given growing season, depending on the crop. Gardeners generally use their hands or a gardening applicator to evenly distribute the fertilizer over the soil as per package instructions. Using broadcast spreaders or other tools can also help in evenly distributing the fertilizer and ensuring that plants receive equal amounts of nutrients from the inorganic fertilizer.

Neerja Rana et al. (2010) “Integrated farming with organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and quality of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)” In this study, the results clearly indicated that biofertilizer alone may not significantly increase the yield, but it certainly improves the quality. It was also found that the maximum yield of ginger could not be realized with organic manure alone. Higher yield can only be achieved with the use of organic manures in combination with inorganic fertilizers. Thus, an integrated approach of biofertilizers with inorganic fertilizers can increase the quality and yield of ginger. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by the use of biofertilizer.

Sigit Soeparjono (2016) “The Effect of Media Composition and Organic Fertilizer Concentration on The Growth and Yield of Red Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)” This study concluded that a single factor of various composition media (M) was not significantly influencing all the parameters of growth and yield of red ginger rhizome. The single factor of concentrations of liquid organic fertilizer (P) and the interaction of two-factor treatments (MP) significantly influenced all parameters of the growth and yield of red ginger rhizome. The combination of treatments (M3P3) gave the best response to all parameters: plant height (58.8 cm), number of leaves (25.2), number of buds (35.6), rhizome fresh weight per plant (2329.64 g), total biomass (258.14 g), zingeron level (1.88%), and oleoresin level (1.57%).

Shadap et al. (2018) “Integrated Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on the Yield and Quality of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)” In this study, a field experiment was conducted to assess the yield and quality of ginger treated with different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrition. The plants raised with the integration of organic manures (vermicompost, neem cake, and compost), biofertilizers (Azospirillum, VAM, and PSB), and higher doses of inorganic NPK resulted in higher content of quality parameters such as essential oil and oleoresin as well as recovery percentage. Economic analysis indicated that the best treatment in terms of Benefit: cost ratio was observed in T5 - Vermicompost + NPK 75% + Azospirillum + VAM + PSB (4.09) followed by T4 - Vermicompost + NPK 100% + Azospirillum + VAM + PSB (3.83) and thus, clearly indicating the chance of saving 25 percent inorganic fertilizers. Thus, an integrated approach of organic and inorganic nutrition can increase the yield and quality of ginger. It clearly indicates the chance of saving 25 percent inorganic fertilizers.

Supriyono et al. (2021) “Effectiveness of giving organic fertilizer with different doses on the growth and yield of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var Rubrum)” This study aimed to obtain an effective dose of organic fertilizer in increasing the growth and yield of red ginger. From March to October 2020, the research was conducted at the UNS experimental area in Wonorejo Village, Jatiyoso, with an altitude of 778 masl. The study was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 1 factor and 5 treatments it is P0 (control), P1 (dose 1 kg. m-2), P2 (dose 1.5 kg. m-2), P3 (dose 2 kg. m-2), and P4 (dose 2.5 kg. m-2). The results showed that the application of organic fertilizer had an effect. The effective dose of organic fertilizer in increasing the growth and yield of red ginger was a dose of 2 kg. M-2

The present study involves an empirical investigation based on sample interviews conducted with ginger cultivators in Mysore district. It is based on both primary and secondary data, with a systematic random sampling method adopted for the survey. The primary data was collected from various villages in Periyaptna taluks of Mysore district, where a large number of ginger cultivators grow ginger crop in Karnataka. The majority of the people in this area are economically well-off and have a good standard of living. A survey was conducted in twenty villages, including Billahalli, Komalapura, Hitnahalli, Aythanahalli, Bettadapura, Koorgallu, Sundavalu, Poodanahalli, Sathyagala, Thelaginakuppe, Harave Mallarajapatna, Harnahalli, Konasuru, and other villages in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka state.

The survey was conducted by selecting 90 ginger cultivators in the study area, who were randomly chosen and engaged in cultivating ginger for more than five years with at least one acre of land.

ANOVA test was used to test the hypothesis, and the findings have been depicted in a simple chart.

A survey was conducted in twenty villages, including Billahalli, Komalapura, Hitnahalli, Aythanahalli, Bettadapura, Koorgallu, Sundavalu, Poodanahalli, Sathyagala, Thelaginakuppe, Harave Mallarajapatna, Harnahalli, Konasuru, and other villages in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka state. Ninety ginger cultivators were interviewed through a questionnaire, and the research findings are as follows:

Table: 1 Distribution of Gender, Age and qualification of respondents. (N=100)

Characteristics		Respondents	Percentage	Rank
Distribution of Gender	Male	74	82.22	01
	Female	16	17.78	02
Distribution of Age	25 to 30	8	8.89	04
	30 to35	16	17.78	03
	35 to40	46	51.11	01
	40 and above	20	22.22	02
Cast of respondents	SC	16	17.78	03
	ST	26	28.89	02
	OBC	48	53.33	01
Education Qualification	Illiterate	14	15.56	04
	Primary and Higher Primary	36	40	01
	PUC and above	18	20	03
	Degree and above	22	24.44	02

Table 1 indicates that all of these factors have an influence on the adoption of Ginger and Tobacco cultivation. The aforementioned table demonstrates that out of a total of 100 respondents, 82.22% were male and 17.78% were female. The majority of respondents, which is 51.11%, were aged between 35 to 40 years. Only 17.78% of respondents were aged between 30 to 35 years, and a mere 8.89% fell between the ages of 25 to 30. The majority of respondents, specifically 53.33%, belonged to OBC, followed by 28.89% who belonged to ST, and 17.78% who belonged to SC, all of whom were engaged in Ginger and Tobacco cultivation in the study area.

In terms of education, 40% of respondents had qualifications up to Primary and Higher Primary, 15.56% were illiterate, 20% had PUC, and 24.44% had degrees. It is apparent that individuals who are illiterate or have only completed Primary and Higher Primary education are capable of engaging in Ginger cultivation, which requires a certain level of skill rather than a formal education.

Table 2 factor influenced adoption of Ginger cultivation. (N=100)

Characteristics		Respondents	Percentage	Rank
Occupation	Agriculture	45	50	01
	Agriculture and Business	25	27.78	02
	Agriculture and agricultural labourer	08	8.89	04
	Agriculture and service sector	12	13.33	03
Land Holding	Below 1 Acre	10	11.11	04
	1 to 2.5 acres	22	24.44	03
	2.5 to 5 acres	30	33.33	01
	Above 5 acres	28	31.11	02
Aera under Ginger cultivation	Below 1 Acre	40	43.96	01
	1 to 2.5 acres	25	27.17	02
	2.5 to 5 acres	15	16.13	03
	Above 5 acres	10	10.64	04
Years of experience in Ginger	Up to 5year	12	13.33	04
	5 to 10 years	40	44.44	01
	10 to 15 years	23	25.56	02
	Above 15year	15	16.67	03
Family Income	Less than 2lak	08	8.89	04
	2 to 5 lak	20	22.22	03
	5 to 10 lak	35	38.89	01
	10 and above	27	30	02
Share of Income from Ginger production	Less than 2 lak	46	51.11	01
	2 to 3 lak	28	31.11	02
	3 lak and above	16	17.78	03

 

 

 

 

(Source: field survey)

Table 2 indicates that all of these factors have an impact on the adoption of Ginger cultivation. Half of the respondents (50%) depend solely on agriculture, 27.78% are involved in both agriculture and business, 8.89% engage in agriculture and agricultural labor, and 13.33% are engaged in agriculture and the service sector. In terms of land ownership, 24.44% of respondents own 1 to 2.5 acres of land, 33.33% own 2.5 to 5 acres, 31.11% own 5 acres and above, while 11.11% own less than 1 acre of land. Furthermore, 43.96% of respondents cultivate ginger in less than 1 acre of land, 27.17% cultivate in 2 to 3 acres, 16.13% cultivate in 4 to 5 acres, and only 10.64% cultivate in more than 5 acres. In terms of experience, 44.44% of respondents have 5 to 10 years of experience in ginger cultivation, 25.56% have 10 to 15 years of experience, 16.67% have more than 15 years of experience, and only 13.33% have up to 5 years of experience. With regards to family income, 8.89% of respondents have a family income of less than 2 lakhs, 22.22% have 2 to 5 lakhs, 38.89% have 5 to 10 lakhs, and 30% have 10 lakhs and above per year. In terms of income from ginger cultivation, 56% of respondents earned less than 2 lakhs, 28% earned 2 to 3 lakhs, and 16% earned 3 lakhs and above as part of their total family income. Finally, 51.11% of respondents earned less than 2 lakhs from ginger cultivation, 31.11% earned 2 to 3 lakhs, and 17.78% earned 3 lakhs and above as part of their total family income.

Materials and Treatments of Ginger cultivation 

The research was conducted in the experimental field in 30 villages of Periyapatna taluk of Mysore District This research was a field experiment by fertilizing and observing ginger plants. The research design used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD). In this study, there were 3 treatments and repeated so that there were 90 observed units. The treatments used in this study were:

List of treatments in Ginger cultivation
Treatments	Description	Material used	Average yield
T1	Fully organic	Green manure + cow dung 10 tonnes/a +chicken manure 3 tonnes/a + neem cake 2 tonnes/a + biofertilizer + waste decompose solution + Jeevabrutha once in every 15days	180 bags (60 Kgs per bag)
T2	Fully inorganic	NPK 100:50:50 kg/a + water soluble fertilizer 60kg/a + Granules 40kg/a + Micro Nutrients 50kg/a + Plant protection Chemicals	230 bags (60 Kgs per bag)
T3	Minimum standard quantity of mixer combination of organic and in organic fertilizer	Green manure + cow dung 6 tonnes/a +chicken manure 2 tonnes/a + waste decompose solution + NPK 80:40:40 kg/a + water soluble fertilizer40kg/a + neem cake +biofertilizer+ Granules 40kg/a + Micro Nutrients 20kg/a + Plant protection Chemicals	350 bags (60 Kgs per bag)

In this study, there were 90 respondents' plots, each with 1 acre of land. Growth observations, including plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, and total weight of rhizomes, were carried out once a month, while harvesting observations were carried out simultaneously, including rhizome size (length, width, thickness), fresh weight of rhizome per clump and plot, rhizome storage weight per clump and plot, and fresh straw and dry straw plant weight. Data analysis using analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the effect of treatment on variables. The results presented in Table 1 showed that different treatments had a significant effect on the yield and quality of ginger, particularly on production and productivity. The combined application of organic manures, biofertilizers, and inorganic fertilizers had a beneficial effect on yield and yield attributing characters, with chicken manure producing the best performance and higher yield among the organic manures. The study findings are consistent with the observations of farmers in ginger. The data in the table also showed that the application of a minimum standard quantity of mixer combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the performance of ginger in terms of yield and quality compared to other treatments with similar organic manures and inorganic nutrition combination. The study suggests that the use of minimum standard quantity of mixer combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer has a positive impact on enhancing the production and productivity of ginger, attributed to the improved physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil resulting in better utilization and absorption of NPK and micronutrients required for enhancing the quality of the Ginger rhizome.

Average Ginger Production at deferent Treatments (cropping practice) in study area

T1	T2	T3
170	215	350
170	215	330
170	215	360
170	215	290
150	215	340
150	200	360
150	200	350
150	200	320
200	200	390
160	200	370
200	230	400
200	230	380
200	230	350
180	230	350
175	260	350
175	260	370
215	270	370
250	270	370
200	270	370
220	270	360
190	260	360
180	260	360
190	250	360
215	280	360
200	200	360
130	200	290
115	175	340
165	190	340
190	220	300
170	270	300
∑T1=5400	∑T2=6900	∑T3=10500

H0: There is no significant differentiating between samples.
H1: There is significant differentiating between samples.
F (2,87) at 0.05 level of significance =3.1013
As calculated F=279.0336>3.1013.
So, H0 is rejected, hence there is significant differentiating between samples

Swoc Anlysis

Strengths	Weakness
1. Climatic and soil Suitability 2. Possibility of multiple cropping within a year like maize, bean, and vegetables 3. Alternate commercial crop for tobacco	1. Non availability of enough and hybrid seeds 2. Lack of scientific and technical Knowledge 3. Uncertainty in price up and down 4. Less awareness regarding risk management practice. 5. There is no good marketing and minimum support price facility.
Opportunities	Challenges
1. Create High demand for ginger through export to other countries. 2. Relatively can create good income for farmers after combination of risk management practice. 3. Can be use modern farming practice.	1. High incidence of disease and pest leading to low production. 2. Less availability of agri-credit at lower rate of interest. 3.Youth migration leading to labor shortage 4. Fertilizer, Plant protection chemicals, labor cost irrigation materials are rapidly increased.

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