Phulbani: Most people in Phiringia block of Kandhamal district are aware about the achievements of farmer Bangar Kahanr. He has created a niche for himself by scripting a success story in ginger farming. Currently he earns in lakhs annually. Bangar Kahnar started ginger farming in a small way by investing only Rs 10. By dint of his hard work and dedication, he has successfully managed to increase his produce so much that at present he earns Rs 3,00,000 annually.
There is an interesting tale which led to Bangar’s involvement in ginger farming. Bangar’s wife Bhanumati had once gone to Phiringia local market three years ago. She had bought vegetables from the market. Among those, was a bunch of ginger worth Rs 10. She used a major part of the ginger while cooking and buried the rest around a cow dung pit. Some days later, ginger sprouted and grew luxuriantly. This prompted Bangar and his family to take up ginger farming.
In 2018 the family invested and harvested five kilograms of ginger plant. It turned out to be a huge success both in terms of produce and financial gains. So he decided to expand ginger farming in 2019.
In 2021, Bangar harvested about four quintals of ginger. He earns a handsome amount by selling the organically grown ginger in the local market. He said organically grown ginger is in demand in the market as it does not rot easily.
Ginger cultivation usually begins in February and the produce matures in November or December. Some experts say, ginger can emerge as a major alternative crop in a tribal-dominated block like Phiringia.
“Earlier, ginger was being sold for anything between Rs 100 and Rs 120 a kilogram. Due to pandemic-induced market situation, the price has come down. However, even then it is a profitable business,” Bangar’s family said. Bangar himself informed that his product is quite popular in the local market.
Bangar has a daughter, who is pursuing plus two. Now that he has a substantial amount of earning, Bangar wants his daughter to go for higher studies.
Bangar has three acres of farmland. Apart from ginger, he has been cultivating vegetables and mangoes. “But irrigation is a problem. I have applied for a pond,” he said. Now, he gets water from a nearby creek and sometimes from his neighbours.
Bangar’s story has been inspirational to the people of his village. “If I get government help, I will expand the ginger farming business,” informed Bangar.
“The application of Bangar for a farm pond has been approved. The pond will be dug soon,” said Rashmiranjan Mohant, BDO of Phiringia block.
