Ginger market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, ginger production in India increased from 1 762 thousand tons to 1 868 thousand tons, while the market volume remained relatively stable near 1 780 thousand tons. This output growth was primarily driven by farmers in Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra substituting crops like maize, cotton, and tobacco with ginger due to its higher returns. Burgeoning consumption in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alongside rising disposable income supported steady demand. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 coincided with the ginger planting season, causing financial strain for farmers and leading to unsold stock accumulation, particularly in Wayanad.

Production surged to 2 225 thousand tons in 2021 and peaked at 2 503 thousand tons in 2022, with the market volume expanding to 2 066 thousand tons and 2 452 thousand tons respectively. A key driver was the rebound of India's dry ginger exports, which recovered to $50.56 million in 2022, stimulating domestic cultivation to meet international demand. Furthermore, the inclusion of processed ginger and ginger extracts in cosmetic products created a new demand channel, fueled by a global shift towards organic and natural ingredients.

In 2023, production declined to 2 201 thousand tons and the market volume fell to 2 184 thousand tons. During this period, consumer preferences increasingly shifted towards organic and natural ginger products, encouraging farmers to focus on value-added items and direct marketing to improve profitability. Market price volatility remained a significant challenge, where a price change of ₹10 per kg could substantially alter net profits per acre, affecting planting decisions.

Production ginger in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

India was the world's leading producer of ginger from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of ginger, 2017-2020

World map of production of ginger, 2017-2020

Ginger production in India grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 868 K t of ginger, marking a gradual increase of 4.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, production rose by 74.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports ginger from India

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India's cross-border shipments of ginger totaled 105.1 K t, representing a sharp year-on-year increase of 291.3%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 20.7 K t, with the largest decline of 15.1% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Bangladesh, Morocco, and the United States consistently held the top positions in India's ginger export structure by volume. Bangladesh accounted for 65.6% of exports, Morocco for 7.8%, and the United States for 4.5%, together making up 77.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.1-fold gap between these years. In 2020, India exported ginger worth 95 262 K $ US, showing a gain of 113.8% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 31 025 K $ US, with the largest decline of 11.5% also in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017–2020 period, Bangladesh, Morocco, and the United States contributed the most to India's ginger exports by value. Bangladesh accounted for 30.7% of exports, Morocco for 17.7%, and the United States for 13.7%, collectively representing 62.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports ginger to India

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, India's ginger import volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 16.0 K t, down by 27.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 10.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 22.1 K t, with the largest increase of 20.3% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal and Nigeria together accounted for 88.9% of India's total ginger imports by volume, while other countries formed a diverse but less significant portion.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India imported ginger worth 18 419 K $ US, which is 6.4% lower than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 673 K $ US, with the largest increase of 75.5% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017–2020, Nigeria and Nepal remained the primary suppliers of ginger to India by value, with a combined share of 81.8% of total imports, while the remainder was fragmented across other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020