Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday inaugurated the Mizo Ginger USP Mission Projects and the price support scheme for arhar (tur), sesame, and sunflower at the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) Ginger Export Awareness Workshop. The event was held at the youth recreation centre in Falkland locality on the northern outskirts of Aizawl.
CM Highlights Ginger as Mizoram's USP
In his address, the Chief Minister stated that ginger remains one of Mizoram's most important crops and has been identified as the state's unique selling proposition (USP) under the DoNER. Although Mizoram ginger is smaller in size, its exceptional quality and pharmaceutical-grade standards give it a strong competitive advantage. He stressed the need to move beyond selling raw ginger and focus on processing and value addition to increase farmers' income and ensure sustainable cultivation practices.
Sustainable Cultivation and Processing Units
The state government, with support from the DoNER, has launched a sustainable cultivation and post-harvest management project. Under this project, four modern ginger processing units are being established in Champhai district, the state's largest ginger-producing district, with financial support of Rs 30.13 crore from the DoNER. The initiative is expected to benefit around 20,000 ginger-growing households and generate about 100 jobs. The CM expressed gratitude to Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia for the support.
Market Positioning and Export Readiness
The Chief Minister further said that the government aims to position Mizoram ginger in national and international markets by leveraging its superior quality and GI tag status. Plans are also underway to develop high-value products such as ginger oil and other processed ginger items. To strengthen export readiness, NCEL has been engaged to provide training and awareness on export procedures and market access.
PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme
Highlighting support for farmers, the CM announced the implementation of the PM-AASHA price support scheme in Mizoram for arhar, sesame, and sunflower from the current harvest season. The MSP has been fixed at Rs 84.5 per kg for arhar, Rs 103.46 for sesame, and Rs 83.43 per kg for sunflower. Procurement will be undertaken by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED), in collaboration with the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board (MAMB), through designated collection centres. Payments will be made directly to farmers' bank accounts through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and eliminating intermediaries.
Additional Crops Covered
The CM said that in addition to the crops already covered under the state government's MSP initiatives, three more crops are now receiving price support through the Centre, providing further assurance and market security to farmers. He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the projects and programmes launched on Tuesday.
Event Participation and Workshop
The programme was attended by around 250 participants, including farmers, representatives of farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperative societies, and officials from various districts. The inauguration was followed by the NCEL Ginger Export Awareness Workshop.
