Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma has reaffirmed his government’s strong commitment to the welfare of the state’s farmers, as the Support Price component of the Handholding Scheme officially concluded for the year. The scheme, launched to ensure fair prices for key agricultural produce, has been hailed as a vital step toward strengthening the farming sector in the state.
The closing ceremony was held on June 30 at the Irrigation & Water Resources Department (I&WRD) Conference Hall, MINECO, attended by senior government officials, farmer representatives, local leaders, and stakeholders involved in the scheme’s implementation.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Lalduhoma described the Handholding Scheme as a “transformative initiative”, offering a much-needed safety net for farmers facing market volatility. Under this year’s implementation, the state government successfully procured five essential crops: ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli, broomsticks, and Mizo rice.
“The Support Price Scheme provides stability to our farmers. When market prices fall, the government steps in. When prices are favourable, farmers are free to sell in the open market,” the Chief Minister said. He acknowledged the fluctuating nature of the ginger market but emphasized that the scheme was designed to protect farmers regardless of market trends.
Rejecting allegations of political favoritism, Lalduhoma clarified that the scheme is open to all genuine farmers, not restricted to any particular group or affiliation. “This programme is meant for our people—our farmers—and no one will be left out,” he asserted.
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister outlined a future strategy focused on sustainable farming, the discouragement of harmful agricultural practices, and the reintroduction of crop insurance with subsidies to reduce the burden on farmers. These measures, he said, are part of a broader vision to enhance agricultural resilience and ensure long-term economic stability in rural areas.
In a significant announcement, Lalduhoma revealed that Food Testing Laboratories would soon be established across the state to help farmers secure organic certifications. This move is aimed at improving market access, building trust in Mizo agricultural products, and boosting branding for local produce.
“We want Mizoram ginger to be known across the country, just like Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric or Himachal Pradesh’s apples,” he said, underscoring the state’s ambition to elevate local crops to national recognition.
Highlighting the role of agriculture in Mizoram’s economic journey, Lalduhoma stressed that any effort to build industrial capacity must first begin with strengthening the agricultural base. He also pointed to the importance of accurate data collection, community cooperation, and a smooth integration into India’s broader market economy.
The Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the Mizoram State Policy Coordination Committee, MAMB, DAMB, local collection centres, and village communities for their coordinated efforts in successfully executing the scheme, even amid nationwide market disruptions.
“This year’s procurement was a success story despite broader challenges,” Lalduhoma concluded. “Let us continue this momentum with collective dedication to empower our farmers and make Mizoram’s agriculture stronger, more resilient, and more sustainable.”
The event ended with renewed calls for collaboration among departments, community leaders, and farmers to take Mizoram’s agricultural sector to new heights.
