Ginger farming offers high potential for lucrative returns

Free Malaysia Today

14-05-2025

40-year-old Khairul Azwan Mohamad Hasbor operates his own farm in Kg Sungai Panjang, Selangor. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : An increasing number of Malaysians are turning to side ventures to boost their income. While some might turn to gig-economy jobs for extra income, 40-year-old Khairul Azwan Mohamad Hasbor has chosen agriculture – a field he has pursued since 2019.
Born and bred in Sungai Besar, Selangor, Khairul began with crops like bitter gourd, okra, water spinach, spinach, eggplant, and chilli. Then, in October, he ventured into ginger cultivation – a move that proved worthwhile when his first harvest of young ginger last month delivered impressive returns.
Working on his farm in Kampung Sungai Panjang, Sungai Besar, Khairul said he prepared for this venture by attending a three-day course organised by the crop industry development division at the Serdang Agricultural Complex last year.
'I also gathered knowledge from Google and YouTube, and visited friends who are experienced in ginger cultivation to gain hands-on insights,' he told Bernama.
'As I had no prior experience in planting ginger, I also sought guidance from the Sabak Bernam district agriculture office. They provided significant support, especially with funding – I simply put my plan into action.'
Khairul allocated 2.4ha of land for the project butused only 0.4ha in the initial phase to plant 10,000 Thai ginger saplings. Thai ginger, he noted, is in high demand locally.
He shared that ginger can be harvested in a relatively short time – young ginger takes three to four months, while mature ginger takes seven to eight months. Khairul's first harvest of young ginger delivered impressive returns, inspiring him to potentially expand his cultivation area. (Bernama pic)
Following the successful results of his first harvest, which he sold to wholesalers and wholesale markets, he plans to expand his cultivation area in the near future.
'There is strong demand for young ginger, with prices ranging from RM7-10 per kg. Seeing the ginger harvest for the first time from my own efforts, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride,' said Khairul, who is helped by two workers.
'I wouldn't rule out expanding my plots one day, if I'm blessed with more capital. With consistency, one can attract orders locally and internationally, as ginger is not only a food source but also an ingredient in health products,' he added.
Indeed, the potential of ginger farming was recently highlighted by deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who urged rural communities to take advantage of the opportunity to cultivate the crop, which offers significant financial returns.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out that ginger is in high demand in markets such as China, Europe, and the United States, especially for use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.