Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma today inaugurated the Ginger Processing Unit established at the Sairang Horticulture Centre under the Handholding Scheme of the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board (MAMB).
Minister for Horticulture C Lalsawivunga, was present as the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed happiness that long-cherished aspirations are now gradually becoming a reality. He conveyed his appreciation to the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board and the Horticulture Department for their responsibility and efforts in establishing the processing unit.
He noted that although Mizoram has been a Union Territory/State for about 54 years and is predominantly an agrarian state, no particular crop had earlier brought significant recognition. Today, however, Mizoram has begun to be known as the Ginger capital of India. This growing recognition, he said, is a result of the hard work of farmers. He further stated that passion fruit also has strong potential, and efforts will be made to promote it on a larger scale.
Ginger cultivation has enabled many families to earn better incomes; increased purchasing power among the people has benefited businesses.
The Chief Minister announced that ginger procurement will resume from February 2. Various locally produced machines for slicing and drying ginger are proposed to be placed at collection centres for use by farmers, which he said would greatly support ginger processing.
The Chief Minister highlighted that organic farming provides Mizoram a competitive advantage over other states, and therefore the government will place increased emphasis on organic practices.
He referred to irregularities noticed during ginger procurement last year, which prompted thorough inquiries. The government, he asserted, will not tolerate such irregularities and will ensure transparency and fairness in all processes.
Farmers were urged not to sell ginger independently but to make proper use of collection centres, so that procurement can be carried out systematically. He also stressed that all officials entrusted with responsibilities related to ginger procurement and marketing must treat these duties with utmost seriousness.
The Guest of Honour, C. Lalsawivunga, and Dr. K.C. Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister (Handholding), also addressed the gathering.
