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CHAPTER LXI. 



TURMERIC AND GINGER, 



S these crops can be grown under the shade of trees, 

 .-and as it is desirable to have trees at the outskirts 

 f a ( ar ; m > Iand > wh{ ch would otherwise remain uncultivated 

 and harbour insect-pests, could be utilized with great advan- 

 tage by growing turmeric and ginger. Trees (such as 

 mangoes, : jack, lichies &c. ) are themselves benefited, if the 

 land underneath is kept cultivated. This is one of the prin- 

 cipal preventive methods that should be employed in comba- 

 ting t)rchard-pests. Stiff clay soils are not suitable for any 

 root-crops ; but as the soil under trees is never too heavy or 

 too light, any soil which is not too stony, gritty or gravelly will 

 do for growing these crops. The cultivation for both the 

 crops is similar. In putting down virgin soil under trees for 

 the first time under turmeric or ginger, it is desirable to 

 glp'.vigh. up the land in October or November i.e. after the 

 rainy season is over and when the land is still in a fit state 

 for ploughing. One ploughing and cross-ploughing with the 

 Sibpur plough followed by laddering should be a sufficient cold- 

 weather preparation for these crops. In April, /. e. t after the 

 first shower. of rain in the hot weather, another ploughing fol- 

 lowed biy cross-ploughing and laddering, will render the land fit 

 for planting the bulbs of ginger or turmeric. These should be 

 planted, 9 inches apart in the lime, and the lines should be 25 

 or 30 inches apart. About two maunds of turmeric or ginger 

 seed are; required for planting an acre. When the plants have 

 come up and before the approach of. the regular rainy season, 

 ridging or earthing should be done for excluding water from 

 the immediate surroundings of the plants. Water should be 

 let out from the field whenever there is any accumulation, or 



