Mizoram Unveils Rs 150 Crore Crop Procurement Plan for 2026-27 Financial Year
In a significant move to bolster agricultural support, the Mizoram government has announced an allocation of Rs 150 crore for the procurement of selected crops during the 2026-27 financial year. State Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister PC Vanlalruata made this declaration in the legislature on Wednesday, outlining a strategic focus on key produce including ginger, chilli, broomstick, turmeric, and un-husked paddy.
Government's Role in Price Support and Procurement Challenges
Responding to a query from Congress MLA C Ngunlianchunga, Minister Vanlalruata emphasized that the allocation will be channeled through the agriculture & farmers’ welfare department. He clarified that while the government's primary function is to provide price support to farmers, it intervened last year by purchasing ginger due to severely depressed market prices, which resulted in substantial financial expenditure.
The minister highlighted a recent setback in ginger procurement efforts. The Mizoram Agriculture Marketing Board's planned procurement on February 2 failed to materialize after prospective buyers rejected the established floor price. "Initially, the floor price was set between Rs 40 and Rs 45, based on a thorough analysis of ginger rates at mandis in Delhi and Siliguri. However, buyers refused these rates and demanded lower prices," Vanlalruata explained. "Even after revising the floor price to Rs 30-35, they again sought further reductions." He noted that four State Cooperative Societies (SCCs) are currently selling ginger at the fixed floor price to stabilize the market.
Promoting Mizoram's Ginger and Addressing External Pressures
Vanlalruata took the opportunity to underscore the exceptional quality of Mizoram's ginger, recalling that NITI Aayog had officially designated the state as the "Ginger Capital of India." He stressed that farmers are being actively educated to resist pressure from outside buyers and to recognize the true value of their produce. "We are empowering our farmers to stand firm and not succumb to undervaluation," he added, reinforcing the government's commitment to safeguarding agricultural interests.
In a related development, the minister disclosed that the government has halted ginger exports to Bangladesh this year, citing political instability in the neighboring country as the primary reason. This decision reflects a cautious approach to international trade amid uncertain regional dynamics.
Strategic Allocation and Future Implications
The Rs 150 crore allocation marks a proactive step by the Mizoram government to enhance food security and economic stability for its farming community. Key aspects of this initiative include:
- Targeted Crops: Focus on ginger, chilli, broomstick, turmeric, and un-husked paddy to address specific market needs.
- Price Support Mechanism: Direct intervention in procurement to prevent price crashes and ensure fair returns for farmers.
- Educational Campaigns: Efforts to educate farmers on market dynamics and value assessment to combat external pricing pressures.
- International Trade Adjustments: Suspension of ginger exports to Bangladesh due to geopolitical concerns, highlighting adaptive trade policies.
This comprehensive plan is expected to not only stabilize local agricultural markets but also reinforce Mizoram's reputation as a leading producer of high-quality ginger and other crops. As the 2026-27 financial year approaches, stakeholders will closely monitor the implementation of these measures to assess their impact on farmer welfare and regional economic growth.
