Experts at the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Ibadan, have enumerated the economic and health values of ginger and turmeric crops.
The experts, who also listed the commercial values of the crops, said on Wednesday in Ibadan that they could be marketed at national, regional and international markets.
Dr Iyabo Adeoye, an Agric Economist, said ginger is an important commercial crop widely used for various culinary purposes.
She said it could be used in gingerbread, biscuits, sauces and for preparing ginger ale and wine.
She added that the crop is also used in pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.
“Ginger is an important export crop in Nigeria.
“The major market destinations of the crop are the the UK, Japan, Canada, etc.
“Nigerian ginger is valued in international markets for its aroma, pungency and high oil, oleoresin content.
“It is a good source of income, a favourite crop that improves the economic status and quality of life of the grower significantly,” Adeoye said.
Also speaking, Dr Catherine Akinpelu an Agric Economist, said that turmeric is a member of ginger family.
She described turmeric as “an important ingredient’’ in curry powder, adding that its pigment is used in food industries as food colour.
“It is also used to treat problems ranging from flatulence to hemorrhage.
“Turmeric as raw commodity has intrinsic value in its original state,” she said.
In her submission, Dr Abosede Oduntan said that turmeric is one of the spices with high antioxidant.
“Antioxidant play pivotal role in preventing diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases due to its ability to neutralize free radicals which are toxic by-products of natural cell metabolism.
“Research is increasingly showing that those who eat antioxidant rich foods reap health benefits.
“In traditional medicine, it is used to treat liver ailments, joint pain, skin problems, cold and flu symptoms among others,” Oduntan said.
NIHORT has the mandate to conduct research into genetic improvement, production, processing, utilization and marketing of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants and spices.
Mushroom, Ginger and turmeric are important mandate crops of the institute.
