Economic Analysis and Marketing Pattern of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) Cultivation in Nagaland: Evidence from Niuland District

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is one of the most important commercial spice crops cultivated in the north-eastern region of India and plays a vital role in supporting the income and livelihood security of rural farming households. The present study was conducted in Niuland district of Nagaland to examine the socio-economic characteristics of ginger growers, estimate the economics of ginger cultivation and analyse the marketing channels adopted by farmers. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Two development blocks, namely Aghunaka and Ato, were selected purposively, followed by the random selection of six villages. A total of 90 ginger growers were selected through simple random sampling. Primary data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule, while secondary information was obtained from published reports, journals and government publications. The results revealed that the majority of respondents (61.11%) belonged to the middle-aged group, 55.55 per cent had primary-level education and 56.66 per cent were small farmers. Ginger occupied the largest share (33.84%) of the total operational landholding, highlighting its commercial importance in the farming system. The average cost of ginger cultivation was estimated at ₹53,433.44 per hectare, while the average gross income was ₹96,033.77 per hectare. The average net income and return from management were ₹46,654.96 and ₹41,717.08 per hectare, respectively. The benefit–cost ratio of 1.80 indicated that ginger cultivation was profitable in the study area. Two marketing channels were identified: Producer–Consumer and Producer–Wholesaler–Retailer–Consumer. The majority of growers (71.11%) marketed their produce through the latter channel because it facilitated bulk disposal and wider market access. However, the involvement of intermediaries reduced the producer's share in the consumer's rupee to 33.33 per cent, compared with 100 per cent under direct marketing. The study concludes that ginger cultivation has substantial economic potential to improve farm income and rural livelihoods in Niuland district. Strengthening extension services, improving access to quality planting material, promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and enhancing market infrastructure are essential for increasing productivity, profitability and marketing efficiency.