THE DEVELOPMENT OF AARI GINGER-23: FIRST GINGER VARIETY OF PAKISTAN SUITABLE FOR TUNNELS CULTIVATION

Background: Ginger production in Pakistan remains limited due to poor adaptability of available genotypes, low yield stability, and susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, resulting in heavy reliance on imports. The development of locally adapted, high-yielding ginger varieties with acceptable quality and resistance traits is therefore essential to strengthen domestic production, improve farmer profitability, and support the medicinal and spice value chain. Objective: To evaluate the agronomic performance, adaptability, and quality attributes of a newly developed ginger variety, AARI Ginger-23 (VGC-19005), under experimental stations and farmer field conditions in Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: AARI Ginger-23 was developed through clonal selection from exotic germplasm and evaluated in replicated varietal yield trials from 2020 to 2023. Trials were conducted under tunnel cultivation at the Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad, and across multiple locations including Kallar Kahar and Chakwal. Agronomic traits such as yield and average rhizome weight were recorded. Nutritional and biochemical analyses included dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, fiber, ash, carbohydrates, and antioxidant activity (DPPH). Pathological and entomological observations were also documented. Results: AARI Ginger-23 consistently exhibited superior performance, producing yields up to 8.87 t/ha at Faisalabad and multi-location averages reaching 16.4 t/ha, with average rhizome weights ranging from 350–380 g. The variety showed smooth, straight rhizomes with yellowish-white skin and light-yellow flesh. Nutritional profiling revealed crude protein of approximately 9.8–10.0%, crude fat up to 5.97%, crude fiber around 4.5%, and antioxidant activity nearing 75% (DPPH). No serious insect pest or disease incidence was recorded during evaluation. Conclusion: AARI Ginger-23 demonstrated high yield potential, adaptability, and favorable nutritional and quality traits under Punjab conditions, indicating its suitability for commercial cultivation and its potential role in reducing ginger imports while supporting medicinal and export markets.