Ginger or "kion" is considered a fundamental ingredient in Peruvian cuisine and even more so if we refer to the fusion with Chinese food widely known as "Chifa."
However, in recent years, this small root featuring a penetrating aroma and slightly spicy flavor has emerged as one of the products with the greatest potential in Peru's exports offer, even more so considering its medical benefits such as the strengthening of the immune system.
In this regard, the South American country relies on an important advantage, since it specifically targets market niches where healthier consumer trends tend to prevail.
"For this reason, competing directly in the conventional market, where China is the leader with a production much higher than ours, would be inconvenient. The organic market is our goal, and we achieved a great penetration not only with ginger, but also with other products that are grown under those same conditions," she explained.
Production
According to
Midagri, Peru's ginger production is currently focused on Junin 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 over 90% of the total ginger production originates.
"We are working in other regions to increase their production levels. We recorded ginger harvest peaks. Thus, 2,200 tons were obtained in 2016. Subsequently, there was a worldwide decline, to later overcome these levels and reach a production of 15,000 tons in 2020," Ramirez noted.
The official argued that broadening the farmland horizon for ginger is essential.
Ramirez added that the offer can be expanded, particularly of organic ginger, thus supplying the domestic market and reaching new growing ones that do not have enough supply.
"It is urgent to expand the offer, in order to serve not only the domestic market, but also large markets, the United States and Europe, for now taken over by China (...)," she expressed.
Strategy
Furthermore, Ramirez said this portfolio also provides support and technical assistance to farmers, with the aim of achieving significant development levels.
"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 ginger to niche markets," she commented.