Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma today attended the Ginger Festival organised by the local community at Samthang Community Hall in Khawzawl district, where he stressed the need to promote organic ginger cultivation and strengthen ginger processing and value addition in the state.Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister said the government was steadily preparing to improve the ginger sector in Mizoram through sustainable farming and better processing infrastructure.He said Mizoram ginger is known for its high quality and is suitable for medicinal use because of its rich essential oil content and low fibre level. Highlighting its market potential, Lalduhoma said the state government had secured approval from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for the “Mizoram Ginger USP – Sustainable Cultivation & Value Chain Development Project” worth around Rs. 190 crore.
According to the Chief Minister, Rs. 30.13 crore has already been sanctioned for setting up ginger processing units in the state.He informed that the main processing unit would be established at Mualkawi in Champhai district. Supporting units are also planned at Tualcheng, Vaphai and Zotlang to benefit ginger farmers across the region.Lalduhoma said sustainable and organic farming practices are important not only for improving the ginger market but also for protecting soil health. He also underlined the importance of processing and value addition in the sector, stating that farmers earn lower returns when raw ginger is sold directly without processing. The Chief Minister said proper value addition would help reduce wastage and improve income opportunities for growers.
Dr. KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister, said the success of ginger procurement in the state was mainly due to the efforts of farmers from Samthang and nearby areas. He added that the government had already spent around Rs. 18 crore this year on support price procurement for ginger farmers. The programme was chaired by Pu Lianzika, Organising Chairman, while welcome remarks were delivered by Pu Lalchungnunga, VCP. Pu Lalparliana, President of the Ginger Association, also addressed the gathering during the event.
