The Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board (MAMB) today organised a consultative meeting on the fresh produce market for seven districts in Mizoram. The meeting was held at the I&WR Auditorium, MINECO, Aizawl.
Representatives from Aizawl, Serchhip, Champhai, Kolasib, Mamit, Khawzawl and Saitual districts attended the meeting. Members of the District Agricultural Marketing Committees (DAMCs), heads of Secondary Collection Centres (SCCs), and leaders of different societies were present.
The meeting was chaired by Pi Ramdinliani, Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and Member Secretary of MAMB. Dr. K.C. Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister (HHP) and Co-Chairman of MAMB, delivered the keynote address. He made a presentation using a PowerPoint and explained the government’s vision and objectives regarding the purchase and sale of fresh agricultural produce.
Dr. Lalmalsawmzauva spoke about the reason behind fixing a reserved price for arecanut (sawhthing). He said that last year the responsibility was given to DAMCs and SCCs, but due to concerns that the produce might not be sold on time, the rates were reduced. He said traders are experienced in business and often try to control prices as per their own interest. To prevent this, MAMB studied arecanut prices in different mandis across India and then fixed a rate that would benefit both buyers and sellers.
He clarified that the reserved price was not fixed because of shortage of government funds or unwillingness to spend money. He said the main aim was to stop unfair price control by private traders.
Pu Lalhmingmuana, Managing Director of MAMB, explained the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the functioning and management of Secondary Collection Centres.
