On September 19, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated the ‘Bana Kaih’ financial assistance scheme designed to support small entrepreneurs and farmers in the state. The launch event took place at Vanapa Hall in Aizawl. During his address, Lalduhoma announced that the government has earmarked funds for purchasing four key crops: ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli, and broomsticks, through farmer societies to be established in local villages. He emphasized that minimum prices for these crops will be guaranteed, and support prices will be provided if farmers sell below the fixed rates. The CM also mentioned that paddy (unhusked rice) would be purchased at Rs 30 per kg, particularly from the Kolasib and Mamit districts.
“This scheme is for hardworking individuals who aspire to progress,” Lalduhoma stated, adding that beneficiary selection would follow strict norms and be carried out by search committees from the implementing departments. Under the program, the government will facilitate loans and act as a guarantor, with interest subventions of up to 100 percent available for beneficiaries who consistently repay their loans. Lalduhoma urged MLAs to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme within their constituencies.
Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata revealed that over 45,500 farmers have registered on the government portal for crop purchases, with an expected harvest of over 10.84 lakh quintals of ginger, 77,492 quintals of turmeric, 36,774 quintals of Mizo chilli, and 1.2 lakh quintals of broomsticks this year. Officials stated that the ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme aims to address the issue of institutional credit availability, particularly microcredit, for agricultural and small industrial projects. The state government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the scheme’s implementation in 2024-25, in addition to a Rs 110 crore fund for agricultural assurance in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
