A trial to grow ginger in commercial quantities is proving successful in the Northern Territory, taking advantage of the region's high humidity and rainfall.
The trial is part of an effort supported by the Territory government to foster emerging agricultural sectors.
It is focusing on the production of two varieties, Queensland Gold and Canton with a view to establishing a disease-free ginger industry that could fetch premium prices of up to $25 a kilogram.
The Australian ginger industry currently has an annual farm-gate value of about $32 million but is concentrated in southeast Queensland.
"This trial presents another exciting economic opportunity with strong support from local growers and the broader industry," Agribusiness Minister Nicole Manison said.
"The preliminary results from the trial indicate the potential value from a hectare of greenhouse space of ginger is approximately $175,000."
Grower Michael Jakobi, who is tending to about 550 pots at his Berrimah greenhouse, said he hoped to be able to produce ginger in commercial quantities.
"But we need to deliver these trials and earn a reputation for clean, green, disease-free ginger first," he said.
"I love a challenge. I could be called a bloody idiot for always doing the hard stuff, but someone saying it can't be done is like a red rag to a bull to me."
