The Mizoram government will begin the direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers starting February 2 under its flagship Bana Kaih handholding scheme. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma while inaugurating a ginger processing unit at Sairang, about 21 kilometres from Aizawl.Speaking at the event, Lalduhoma said the new step is aimed at giving assured income to farmers by removing middlemen and ensuring fair prices for their produce. He said agriculture has always been the backbone of Mizoram, but for many years the state did not get wider recognition for any particular crop.The chief minister said the situation has now changed, with Mizoram gaining a clear identity at the national level for ginger production.
He pointed out that NITI Aayog has recently recognised Mizoram as the “ginger capital of India”. He said this recognition has come due to the consistent hard work of farmers across the state.Under the Bana Kaih scheme, the government will procure ginger and dry broomsticks at support prices, which will help farmers plan their cultivation with confidence. Lalduhoma said ginger farming has already improved the income and purchasing power of many rural families.The scheme was launched in September 2024 by the Zoram People’s Movement government as part of its election commitments. Since then, the state has been procuring crops such as ginger, turmeric, chilli, broomsticks and unhusked rice directly from farmers. Officials said the government spent around Rs 137.72 crore last year on the purchase of ginger alone.
During the same period, the government also procured over 48,600 quintals of dried broomsticks worth nearly Rs 2 crore and more than 1,400 quintals of unhusked rice valued at about Rs 44 lakh.The chief minister also said Mizoram has good potential for sapthei fruit cultivation. He added that the government plans to promote the crop on a larger scale to diversify farm income and further strengthen the rural economy.
