Aizawl: The Mizoram government will begin procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers across the state from February 2 under its flagship ‘Bana Kaih’ handholding scheme, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Tuesday.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang, around 21 km from Aizawl.
Lalduhoma said the initiative was aimed at strengthening farmers’ incomes and reinforcing Mizoram’s growing identity as a major producer of ginger.
He noted that although Mizoram is largely agrarian, no single crop had earlier given the state a distinct national identity.
“Today, Mizoram is recognised as the ginger capital of India, and this status is the outcome of the sustained hard work of our farmers,” the chief minister said, referring to NITI Aayog’s recent declaration.
Under the Bana Kaih programme, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government has been procuring key agricultural produce from farmers at support prices, in line with its poll commitments.
Since the scheme’s launch in September 2024, the government has been purchasing ginger, turmeric, chilli, broomsticks and unhusked rice.
ALSO READ: Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo slams Trump as “worst human being” at Golden Globes
Officials said the state spent about Rs 137.72 crore last year on procuring ginger alone.
In the same period, the government purchased over 48,600 quintals of dried broomsticks worth nearly Rs 2 crore and 1,473 quintals of unhusked rice valued at Rs 44.18 lakh.
Lalduhoma said ginger cultivation has significantly improved livelihoods and purchasing power in rural areas.
He added that Mizoram also holds strong potential for ‘sapthei’ fruit, and efforts would be intensified to promote its cultivation on a larger scale.
