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PKRU researchers to promote torch ginger as new industrial crop in Andaman region
Torch ginger is a popular decorating flower in Andaman region’s tourism industry. The majority of the flowers are grown and distributed from farms in Suratthani, Phattalung, and Yala provinces. Torch ginger provides edible blooms that are generally used in healthy recipes, therefore researchers at Agricultural Technology, Phuket Rajabhat University wondered if we might cultivate torch ginger in the Andaman region and promote it as a new industrial crop in the area.
Dr. Chaiyaphum Suksamran, lecturer at Garden Plants and Landscaping Technology and the leader of the research project 'Wide ginger and torch ginger collection and value add potential estimation in Southern area of Thailand,' revealed that PKRU researchers surveyed and collected several species of torch gingers in Thailand's southern provinces. The researchers were successful in selecting the mixed specie from the agricultural enterprise cluster in Lam Sin Sub-district, Sri Nakarin District, Phattalung Province that has the potential to be promoted as new industrial crops (it is now in the process of new specie registration by the Department of Agriculture) before cultivating ang distributing to farmers and locals in Andaman provinces. The chosen species produces large, many flowers that can last for 10 days after harvesting, whereas other species only last 3 days. Furthermore, because the plant's clump is not overly dense, it requires less space for cultivation, allowing farmers to grow more plants in their limited space. These features increase the value of torch ginger and increase farmers' revenue by cultivating and selling the flower in areas other than the southern regions.
Previously, it was believed that any species of torch ginger gave the same taste in food and beverage, but research revealed that only densely colored torch ginger flowers, particularly dark pink ones, have good taste and aroma; and certainly, PKRU's chosen specie has all of those properties proved Sensory Evaluation. Because this species of torch ginger is exceptionally colored and rich in antioxidant agents, our researchers plan to manufacture ice cream, jam, and bubble tea from it."
Dr. Chaiyaphum continued, "There is high demand for torch ginger in the tourism industry, so it is a good opportunity for farmers and locals to cultivate the plant, whether in the form of city farming or large farming with over 10 rai area." The plant can be grown in rubber plantations, allowing farmers to make more money when the rubber price falls. Torch ginger matures in only one and a half years. If anyone is interested in cultivating the plant, we would be happy to train them from the initial stage of farming to harvesting, quality control before delivery, and marketing."
For more information please contact Garden Plants and Landscaping Technology Program, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Phuket Rajabhat University via www.agritech.pkru.ac.th/
Or dial 08 1797 5542
