The director of Economic Studies and Agrarian Information of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), Carolina Ramírez, affirmed that Peruvian ginger is characterized by its high quality and, mainly, because its production is carried out organically.
“In the world, Peru is very well positioned in this regard. In fact, we share the first places in the production of organic ginger in the world, since in 2020 we occupy the fourth position as a producer ”, said the official.
In this regard, he said, the country has an important advantage, as it specifically targets market niches where healthier consumer trends prevail.
“For this reason, competing directly in the conventional market, where China is the leader with a much higher production than ours, would be inconvenient. The organic market is our objective and we achieved a great penetration not only by kion, but also by other products that are grown under the same conditions, ”said Ramírez.
Production
According to Midagri, ginger production is currently concentrated in the Junín region, basically in the provinces of Chanchamayo and Satipo, in whose fertile soils it is cultivated taking advantage of the humid microclimates of moderate temperatures, typical of the valleys located between the eastern slope of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, where more than 90% of the total ginger production originates.
“We are working in other regions to increase their production levels. We recorded kion harvest peaks. Thus, in 2016 2,200 tons were obtained, later there was a worldwide decline, to later overcome these levels and reach a production of 15,000 tons in 2020, "said Ramírez.
He argued that broadening the farmland horizon for ginger is critical. "The regional research centers of the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), together with the General Directorate of Agricultural Environmental Affairs (DGAAA), must identify those areas, between 800 and 1,200 meters above sea level in the Cusco regions, Pasco, San Martín, Amazonas and Madre de Dios, which have similar conditions as the lands of Chanchamayo and Satipo ”, the official specified.
He added that the offer can be expanded, particularly organic ginger, and in this way supply the domestic market and reach new markets in the process of growth that do not have enough supply.
“It is urgent to expand the offer, in order to serve not only the local market, but also the large markets, the United States and Europe, for now taken over by China, whose production is not necessarily characterized by being of quality; On the contrary, quality production is the exception in its offer ”, he stated.
Strategy
The director of Economic Studies and Agrarian Information at Midagri asserted that the ministry is working on a strategy that enables the promotion of the Peruvian organic ginger trade. He said that this portfolio also provides support and technical assistance to farmers to achieve significant levels of development in these crops.
“For example, through the facilitation of certain funds, cooperatives or agricultural communities can be supported in order to obtain the certifications they require to export to niche markets,” Ramírez commented.
At the
commercial level, he said that tools are being developed that make it easier
for producers to publicize their products, as well as the techniques they use
for their crops. "We work, for example, in a virtual catalog of
agricultural products, in which producers show their offer in the international
arena so that they can contact consumers or buyers and develop important
businesses," he said.
Industrialization
Expectations regarding the future of kion in foreign markets are very high. However, for the Midagri representative, we should not be left alone in the shipments of fresh produce. "It is necessary to think about an industrialization of ginger," he said.
“The covid-19 pandemic opens up many possibilities, considering the advantages and medicinal benefits that the product has. Ultimately, its consumption will continue to increase ”, said Ramírez.
Therefore, he added, it is essential to diversify and add value to it. “In the near future, it will no longer be convenient to export fresh ginger, but in a much more industrialized way. We can export ginger powder for direct consumption, as well as generate new products, such as cookies, beverages that contain ginger or snacks. The possibilities are many ”, he commented.
He assured that, to achieve these objectives, it is essential to work on raising awareness of the benefits of kion. “For this, workshops could be organized to disseminate the results and the potential that this product has, in order to awaken the interest of farmers. In addition, we will work with the National Society of Industries (SNI), the Association of Exporters (Adex) and other regional associations in the dissemination of these contents ”.
Based on
this analysis, he said, the proposal of some more specific work will be
coordinated with the General Agricultural Directorate, with the purpose of
providing technical assistance or any type of information required by producers
in the field.
