Aizawl, May 11 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday met Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Secretary Sanjay Jaju and stressed the need for a more systematic and transparent implementation of the 10 per cent Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) mechanism.

The expenditure under the 10 per cent mandatory GBS mechanism for Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the Northeastern region by non-exempted ministries, departments, and organisations (MDOs) is monitored by the DoNER Ministry.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the DoNER Secretary for approving the NEC-funded project, ‘Sustainable Cultivation of Mizo Ginger USP’.

He said Mizoram produces high-quality and pure ginger, adding that NITI Aayog has recognised the state as the “Ginger Capital of India”.

Lalduhoma said the approved funding would significantly benefit ginger cultivators across the state.

The DoNER Secretary assured him that the matter of the GBS mechanism would receive due attention.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister noted that under the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS-Roads), the Khankawn to Rongura Hmun road can reportedly be extended by around 1.70 km to connect with the Thenzawl-Buarpui Intermediate Lane, a move expected to provide major connectivity benefits. He urged that the extension proposal be considered, and the DoNER Secretary assured that necessary steps would be taken.

Jaju also informed the Chief Minister that efforts are underway to facilitate the entry of private investors for the development and upgradation of the Thenzawl Golf Resort.

The two further discussed several pending DoNER scheme projects related to the state.

During a seminar held in New Delhi on November 24 last year, NITI Aayog formally declared Mizoram as the “Ginger Capital of India”, recognising the state’s reputation for producing premium-quality ginger and its rapid growth in ginger cultivation in recent years. According to an official report, more than 3.38 crore kg of ginger has been procured in 2025, while the entire support price amounting to Rs 137.72 crore has already been fully disbursed.

The Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board (MAMB) organised a ‘Ginger Buyer-Seller Meet’ in December last year at Aijal Club, where buyers from different parts of the country participated. In view of the growing demand for sliced-dry ginger, Mizo-developed technologies — Rapchung Technology and Tapchhak Technology– designed for ginger drying and curing, will be procured under the Handholding Scheme.

–IANS

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