Persimmon
Ginger Jam
Persimmon ginger jam presents an export opportunity for Nepal. The three main ingredients are sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Pectin is not required, but may be used. All three crops are grown in the Nepal’s mid-hills region (ISRIC, 2014). This preserve has potential to increase bilateral trade between Nepal and western nations, thus bringing mutual benefits (Raizada, 2014).
Soil Sustainability
The quality of a large portion of Nepal’s agricultural soil is deteriorating due to the sloping landscape (ISRIC, 2014). Erosion and nutrient loss are major issues which need to be addressed (ISRIC, 2014).
A benefit of this particular preserve is that the ingredients may be grown in row intercropping systems. Persimmons grow on trees. The living roots of these perennials create an underground network which “holds onto” and effectively stabilizes the soil (Zhang et al., 2012). Tree roots reduce soil erosion, and intercropping them with other plants (such as sugarcane and ginger) in an alley cropping system can help maintain agricultural soil (Nuberg, 1993). The canopy cover provided by the persimmon trees also helps proliferate soil. The foliage interrupts raindrops, thus reducing their impact on the soil surface. These resilient trees live for 60 years on average, so they prevent the soil from being completely bare after annual crops are harvested (Loehle, 1987).
Soil can be improved by leaving crop residues in the ground after harvest (Zhang et al., 2012). The fallen leaves, roots, and stover help maintain soil. Micro- and macro-nutrients are returned to the soil in the form of organic matter. This also helps the ground absorb and retain water, and reduce erosion (Zhang et al., 2012).
The stover may be returned to the soil via an alternative method. It can be used as animal fodder, and farmyard manure is a subsequent fertilizer (Bath et al., 2000). This nutrient-rich by-product can be applied to the soil as a source of fixed nitrogen (Enke et al., 2013). Animal manure is environmentally and economically sustainable in comparison to solely using synthetic fertilizers. It also integrates more organic matter into the soil (Enke et al., 2013).
Overall, the production of persimmon ginger jam is an excellent opportunity for conservation farming in Nepal’s midhills. It can maintain and even replenish hillside soils.
Agronomy
Returning stover to soil in the form of manure fertilizer is not only beneficial to the soil and environment. It also reduces a farmer’s expense for synthetic fertilizer (Enke et al., 2013). All savings are important, as many small farmers do not own their farmland (IRIN, 2010). If there is a redistributive farmland reform, agricultural productivity may increase (IRIN, 2010). Long-term soil sustainability investments should become more predominant with land ownership.
All three crops do not need to be grown on the same farms, but growing a combination of them can improve productivity (Nuberg, 1993). The practice of intercropping sugarcane and ginger has shown to enhance yields of partial-shade-loving ginger (Nuberg, 1993).
It takes 7-8 years for a persimmon tree to mature and produce fruit, or 2-3 years after grafting (Tao et al., 1998). Therefore, expansion of persimmon farming into alley intercropping would take some time to perform. However, once established, the trees live to an average of 60 years (Loehle, 1987).
Economic Challenges and Advantages
The ingredients must be transported from hillside farms to more urban production centres quickly, as fresh, untreated persimmons have a shelf life of only about five days (Harima et al., 2003). However, once canned, there is a lot of leeway in the timing and method of getting the product from Nepal to grocery store shelves. A properly canned preserve easily lasts for over a year. Higher sugar content gives an even longer expiry date (Harima et al., 2003). Therefore, there is freedom to be selective in the mode of intercontinental transportation. People can carefully choose to export when transportation costs are low, thus increasing the profitability of this enterprise.
Partnering with an existing jam processor that already has facilities and health certifications in place eases transition into the market (United Nations, 2014). Unique jams can be sold at a high value in western nations. The sale of persimmon ginger jam can expand after initial introduction to these markets. Once established, large scale trade of this product will make the endeavour more profitable. There is room for expansion in the preserve industry for other Nepalese fruit combinations. Production can branch out into jams involving fruit such as antioxidant-rich Himalayan yellow raspberries, and unique chutneys (Nutraceuticals World, 2003).
Exporting this jam brings income not only to hillside farmers, but to urban workers as well. In-country processing of the jam dramatically increases the economic impact by creating urban jobs.
There is current popularity of locally-grown food in western nations such as Canada. This presents a challenge for the import of Nepalese food. However, this jam has an “exotic” factor, and it may be marketed as fair trade, or made in a Certified B Corporation, enhancing its attractiveness as a foreign product (B Lab, 2014).
Health and Nutrition
Health benefits make this jam an attractive product to western nations. Ginger has many beneficial effects on human health, such as acting as an anti-inflammatory, and strengthening the immune system (Nutraceuticals World, 2003). Both ginger and persimmon contain anti-oxidants, which are currently very popular among cancer-fearing North Americans (Nutraceuticals World, 2003).
As well, persimmons contain vitamins such as folate and vitamin C. Folate is very important in fetal development (Antony, 2012). This jam provides a tasty source of folate for North American mothers.
Nepalese farming families would also have access to the health benefits of ginger and persimmon. Women who bear children need to have suitable sources of folate or folic acid available, especially before and during pregnancy (Antony, 2012). Growing persimmons and eating some of the crop supports maternal and child health.
In addition, Nepalese farmers may use sugarcane stover as animal fodder (Bath et al., 2000). Keeping livestock provides an addition of subsistence agriculture.
However, sugar has an undesirable impact on human health (Moynihan & Kelly, 2014). In 2004, the average Canadian consumed 26 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than four times the guideline for sugar intake (Langlois & Garriguet, 2014; Moynihan & Kelly, 2014). Canadians consume far more sugar than they should, but sensible applications of jams or spreads do not comprise a major component of this issue. Therefore, persimmon ginger jam would still be a tasteful addition to many nations' cuisines.
References
Antony, A. C. (2012). Megaloblastic anemias. Hematology: Basic principles and practice (6th ed., pp. chap 37). Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
B Lab. (2014). What are B corps? Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.bcorporation.net/what-are-b-corps
Bath, D., Berry, S., Dunbar, J., King, J., & Olbrich, S. (2000). Byproducts and unusual feedstuffs. Feedstuffs, 72(29), 26.
Enke, L., Yan, C., Mei, X., Zhang, Y., & Fan, T. (2013). Long-term effect of manure and fertilizer on soil organic carbon pools in dryland farming in northwest china. Plos One, 8(2), 1-8.
Farfan, B. (2014). How to contact Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz? email, fax, phone & address. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://retailindustry.about.com/od/FrequentlyAskedQuestionsFAQs/f/How-To-Contact-Starbucks-Ceo-Howard-Schultz-Email-Phone-Physical-Address-Fax-Info.htm
Government of Canada. (2014). Funding programs. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/eng/funding/home.jsp
Government of Canada. (2014). Guide to importing food products commercially: Section E - summary of import requirements for food commodities. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/food/imports/commercial-importers/importing-food-products/eng/1376515896184/1376515983781?chap=6#s19c6
Government of Canada. (2014). Phytosanitary certificates. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/plants/exports/phytosanitary-certificates/eng/1299872808479/1299872974262
Harima, S., Nakano, R., Yamauchi, S., Kitano, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Inaba, A., et al. (2003). Extending shelf-life of astringent persimmon (diospyros kaki thunb.) fruit by 1-MCP. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 29(3), 319-324.
Inland revenue department, Nepal. (2014). Welcome to inland revenue department Nepal. Retrieved 11/10, 2014, from http://www.ird.gov.np/ird/index/index.php#/
IRIN. (2010). NEPAL: Land tenure reforms "urgently needed". Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://www.irinnews.org/report/91313/nepal-land-tenure-reforms-urgently-needed
ISRIC World Soil Information. (2014). Soil and terrain database (SOTER) for Nepal. Retrieved 10/30, 2014, from http://www.isric.org/projects/soter-nepal
Langlois, K., & Garriguet, D. (2014). Sugar consumption among Canadians of all ages. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/pub/82-003-x/2011003/article/11540-eng.htm
Loehle, C. 1987. Tree Life History Strategies. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 18:209-222.
Ojha, G. (2014) Personal communication by email ([email protected]). Dates: Oct 13, 2014 – Oct 29, 2014. G. Ojha is the Head of External Affairs at the Office of the Investment Board in Nepal
Mena Report. (2014). Nepal : BANKS to offer agro loans at subsidised rate. Mena Report. Gale Cengage Academic OneFile. Web.
Moynihan, P. J., & Kelly, S. A. M. (2014). Effect on caries of restricting sugars intake. systematic review to inform WHO guidelines. [Effect on Caries of Restricting Sugars Intake. Systematic Review to Inform WHO Guidelines] Journal of Dental Research, 93, 8-18.
Nuberg, I., & Evans, D. (1993). Alley cropping and analog forests for soil conservation in the dry uplands of Sri Lanka. Agroforestry Systems, 24(3), 247-269.
Nutraceuticals World. (2003). Antioxidant directory: A listing of suppliers of antioxidant ingredients. (A-Z). Nutraceuticals World, 6(3), 44. Retrieved from Gale Cengage Academic OneFile database.
President's Choice. (2014). Contact us. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://www.presidentschoice.ca/en_CA/community/contact-us.html
Raizada, M.N. (2014) Personal communication in-person. Date: Nov 13, 2014. M. Raizada is an Associate Professor at the University of Guelph.
Raizada, M., & Manser, M. (2014). AgTrade Nepal Canada. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://agtradenepalcan.weebly.com/
Starbucks Investor Relations. (2014). Board of directors. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://investor.starbucks.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=99518&p=irol-govBoard .
Tao, R., Tetsumura, T., & Yukinaga, H. (1998). Early field performance of micropropagated Japanese persimmon trees. Hortscience, 33(4), 751-753.
United Nations Statistics Division. (2014). Production of jams, jellies, and pastes - nepal. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from https://www.quandl.com/UNDATA/INDCOM_JAMS_NPL-Production-of-Jams-Jellies-and-Pastes-Nepal
Zhang, D., Zhou, Z., Zhang, B., Du, S., & Liu, G. (2012). The effects of agricultural management on selected soil properties of the arable soils in Tibet, China. Catena, 93, 1-8.
Persimmon ginger jam presents an export opportunity for Nepal. The three main ingredients are sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Pectin is not required, but may be used. All three crops are grown in the Nepal’s mid-hills region (ISRIC, 2014). This preserve has potential to increase bilateral trade between Nepal and western nations, thus bringing mutual benefits (Raizada, 2014).
Soil Sustainability
The quality of a large portion of Nepal’s agricultural soil is deteriorating due to the sloping landscape (ISRIC, 2014). Erosion and nutrient loss are major issues which need to be addressed (ISRIC, 2014).
A benefit of this particular preserve is that the ingredients may be grown in row intercropping systems. Persimmons grow on trees. The living roots of these perennials create an underground network which “holds onto” and effectively stabilizes the soil (Zhang et al., 2012). Tree roots reduce soil erosion, and intercropping them with other plants (such as sugarcane and ginger) in an alley cropping system can help maintain agricultural soil (Nuberg, 1993). The canopy cover provided by the persimmon trees also helps proliferate soil. The foliage interrupts raindrops, thus reducing their impact on the soil surface. These resilient trees live for 60 years on average, so they prevent the soil from being completely bare after annual crops are harvested (Loehle, 1987).
Soil can be improved by leaving crop residues in the ground after harvest (Zhang et al., 2012). The fallen leaves, roots, and stover help maintain soil. Micro- and macro-nutrients are returned to the soil in the form of organic matter. This also helps the ground absorb and retain water, and reduce erosion (Zhang et al., 2012).
The stover may be returned to the soil via an alternative method. It can be used as animal fodder, and farmyard manure is a subsequent fertilizer (Bath et al., 2000). This nutrient-rich by-product can be applied to the soil as a source of fixed nitrogen (Enke et al., 2013). Animal manure is environmentally and economically sustainable in comparison to solely using synthetic fertilizers. It also integrates more organic matter into the soil (Enke et al., 2013).
Overall, the production of persimmon ginger jam is an excellent opportunity for conservation farming in Nepal’s midhills. It can maintain and even replenish hillside soils.
Agronomy
Returning stover to soil in the form of manure fertilizer is not only beneficial to the soil and environment. It also reduces a farmer’s expense for synthetic fertilizer (Enke et al., 2013). All savings are important, as many small farmers do not own their farmland (IRIN, 2010). If there is a redistributive farmland reform, agricultural productivity may increase (IRIN, 2010). Long-term soil sustainability investments should become more predominant with land ownership.
All three crops do not need to be grown on the same farms, but growing a combination of them can improve productivity (Nuberg, 1993). The practice of intercropping sugarcane and ginger has shown to enhance yields of partial-shade-loving ginger (Nuberg, 1993).
It takes 7-8 years for a persimmon tree to mature and produce fruit, or 2-3 years after grafting (Tao et al., 1998). Therefore, expansion of persimmon farming into alley intercropping would take some time to perform. However, once established, the trees live to an average of 60 years (Loehle, 1987).
Economic Challenges and Advantages
The ingredients must be transported from hillside farms to more urban production centres quickly, as fresh, untreated persimmons have a shelf life of only about five days (Harima et al., 2003). However, once canned, there is a lot of leeway in the timing and method of getting the product from Nepal to grocery store shelves. A properly canned preserve easily lasts for over a year. Higher sugar content gives an even longer expiry date (Harima et al., 2003). Therefore, there is freedom to be selective in the mode of intercontinental transportation. People can carefully choose to export when transportation costs are low, thus increasing the profitability of this enterprise.
Partnering with an existing jam processor that already has facilities and health certifications in place eases transition into the market (United Nations, 2014). Unique jams can be sold at a high value in western nations. The sale of persimmon ginger jam can expand after initial introduction to these markets. Once established, large scale trade of this product will make the endeavour more profitable. There is room for expansion in the preserve industry for other Nepalese fruit combinations. Production can branch out into jams involving fruit such as antioxidant-rich Himalayan yellow raspberries, and unique chutneys (Nutraceuticals World, 2003).
Exporting this jam brings income not only to hillside farmers, but to urban workers as well. In-country processing of the jam dramatically increases the economic impact by creating urban jobs.
There is current popularity of locally-grown food in western nations such as Canada. This presents a challenge for the import of Nepalese food. However, this jam has an “exotic” factor, and it may be marketed as fair trade, or made in a Certified B Corporation, enhancing its attractiveness as a foreign product (B Lab, 2014).
Health and Nutrition
Health benefits make this jam an attractive product to western nations. Ginger has many beneficial effects on human health, such as acting as an anti-inflammatory, and strengthening the immune system (Nutraceuticals World, 2003). Both ginger and persimmon contain anti-oxidants, which are currently very popular among cancer-fearing North Americans (Nutraceuticals World, 2003).
As well, persimmons contain vitamins such as folate and vitamin C. Folate is very important in fetal development (Antony, 2012). This jam provides a tasty source of folate for North American mothers.
Nepalese farming families would also have access to the health benefits of ginger and persimmon. Women who bear children need to have suitable sources of folate or folic acid available, especially before and during pregnancy (Antony, 2012). Growing persimmons and eating some of the crop supports maternal and child health.
In addition, Nepalese farmers may use sugarcane stover as animal fodder (Bath et al., 2000). Keeping livestock provides an addition of subsistence agriculture.
However, sugar has an undesirable impact on human health (Moynihan & Kelly, 2014). In 2004, the average Canadian consumed 26 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than four times the guideline for sugar intake (Langlois & Garriguet, 2014; Moynihan & Kelly, 2014). Canadians consume far more sugar than they should, but sensible applications of jams or spreads do not comprise a major component of this issue. Therefore, persimmon ginger jam would still be a tasteful addition to many nations' cuisines.
References
Antony, A. C. (2012). Megaloblastic anemias. Hematology: Basic principles and practice (6th ed., pp. chap 37). Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
B Lab. (2014). What are B corps? Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.bcorporation.net/what-are-b-corps
Bath, D., Berry, S., Dunbar, J., King, J., & Olbrich, S. (2000). Byproducts and unusual feedstuffs. Feedstuffs, 72(29), 26.
Enke, L., Yan, C., Mei, X., Zhang, Y., & Fan, T. (2013). Long-term effect of manure and fertilizer on soil organic carbon pools in dryland farming in northwest china. Plos One, 8(2), 1-8.
Farfan, B. (2014). How to contact Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz? email, fax, phone & address. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://retailindustry.about.com/od/FrequentlyAskedQuestionsFAQs/f/How-To-Contact-Starbucks-Ceo-Howard-Schultz-Email-Phone-Physical-Address-Fax-Info.htm
Government of Canada. (2014). Funding programs. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/eng/funding/home.jsp
Government of Canada. (2014). Guide to importing food products commercially: Section E - summary of import requirements for food commodities. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/food/imports/commercial-importers/importing-food-products/eng/1376515896184/1376515983781?chap=6#s19c6
Government of Canada. (2014). Phytosanitary certificates. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/plants/exports/phytosanitary-certificates/eng/1299872808479/1299872974262
Harima, S., Nakano, R., Yamauchi, S., Kitano, Y., Yamamoto, Y., Inaba, A., et al. (2003). Extending shelf-life of astringent persimmon (diospyros kaki thunb.) fruit by 1-MCP. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 29(3), 319-324.
Inland revenue department, Nepal. (2014). Welcome to inland revenue department Nepal. Retrieved 11/10, 2014, from http://www.ird.gov.np/ird/index/index.php#/
IRIN. (2010). NEPAL: Land tenure reforms "urgently needed". Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://www.irinnews.org/report/91313/nepal-land-tenure-reforms-urgently-needed
ISRIC World Soil Information. (2014). Soil and terrain database (SOTER) for Nepal. Retrieved 10/30, 2014, from http://www.isric.org/projects/soter-nepal
Langlois, K., & Garriguet, D. (2014). Sugar consumption among Canadians of all ages. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://www.statcan.gc.ca.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/pub/82-003-x/2011003/article/11540-eng.htm
Loehle, C. 1987. Tree Life History Strategies. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 18:209-222.
Ojha, G. (2014) Personal communication by email ([email protected]). Dates: Oct 13, 2014 – Oct 29, 2014. G. Ojha is the Head of External Affairs at the Office of the Investment Board in Nepal
Mena Report. (2014). Nepal : BANKS to offer agro loans at subsidised rate. Mena Report. Gale Cengage Academic OneFile. Web.
Moynihan, P. J., & Kelly, S. A. M. (2014). Effect on caries of restricting sugars intake. systematic review to inform WHO guidelines. [Effect on Caries of Restricting Sugars Intake. Systematic Review to Inform WHO Guidelines] Journal of Dental Research, 93, 8-18.
Nuberg, I., & Evans, D. (1993). Alley cropping and analog forests for soil conservation in the dry uplands of Sri Lanka. Agroforestry Systems, 24(3), 247-269.
Nutraceuticals World. (2003). Antioxidant directory: A listing of suppliers of antioxidant ingredients. (A-Z). Nutraceuticals World, 6(3), 44. Retrieved from Gale Cengage Academic OneFile database.
President's Choice. (2014). Contact us. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://www.presidentschoice.ca/en_CA/community/contact-us.html
Raizada, M.N. (2014) Personal communication in-person. Date: Nov 13, 2014. M. Raizada is an Associate Professor at the University of Guelph.
Raizada, M., & Manser, M. (2014). AgTrade Nepal Canada. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from http://agtradenepalcan.weebly.com/
Starbucks Investor Relations. (2014). Board of directors. Retrieved 11/2, 2014, from http://investor.starbucks.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=99518&p=irol-govBoard .
Tao, R., Tetsumura, T., & Yukinaga, H. (1998). Early field performance of micropropagated Japanese persimmon trees. Hortscience, 33(4), 751-753.
United Nations Statistics Division. (2014). Production of jams, jellies, and pastes - nepal. Retrieved 11/1, 2014, from https://www.quandl.com/UNDATA/INDCOM_JAMS_NPL-Production-of-Jams-Jellies-and-Pastes-Nepal
Zhang, D., Zhou, Z., Zhang, B., Du, S., & Liu, G. (2012). The effects of agricultural management on selected soil properties of the arable soils in Tibet, China. Catena, 93, 1-8.