Aizawl, June 2 (IANS) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday said the state government is working to establish Mizoram ginger as a premium agricultural product in both national and international markets by capitalising on its superior quality and Geographical Indication (GI) tag status.

He said efforts are being intensified to enhance production, value addition, and market access for the state’s GI-tagged ginger, to boost farmers’ income and strengthen Mizoram’s agricultural economy.

Mizoram was declared the “Ginger Capital of India” by NITI Aayog last year in recognition of its large-scale ginger production and growing contribution to the sector.

Inaugurating the Mizo Ginger USP Mission Projects, the Price Support Scheme for Arhar (Tur), Sesame and Sunflower, and the NCEL Ginger Export Awareness Workshop at Falkland, Lalduhoma said ginger remains one of Mizoram’s most important crops. The crop has been identified as the state’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

While Mizoram ginger is smaller in size, its exceptional quality and pharmaceutical-grade standards give it a strong competitive advantage, he noted.

The Chief Minister emphasised the need to move beyond selling raw ginger and focus on processing and value addition to increase farmers’ income and ensure sustainable cultivation practices.

He said the state government, with support from the Ministry of DoNER, has launched a Sustainable Cultivation and Post-Harvest Management Project. Under the project, four modern ginger processing units are being established in Champhai district, Mizoram’s largest ginger-producing district, with financial support of Rs 30.13 crore from DoNER.

The initiative is expected to benefit around 20,000 ginger-growing households and generate about 100 jobs. Lalduhoma expressed gratitude to Union Minister for DoNER Jyotiraditya Scindia for the Ministry’s support.

Plans are also underway to develop high-value products, including ginger oil and other processed ginger products. To strengthen export readiness, the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) has been engaged to provide training and awareness on export procedures and market access.

Highlighting support for farmers, the Chief Minister announced the implementation of the PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme in Mizoram for Arhar (Tur), Sesame, and Sunflower from the current harvest season.

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs 84.50 per kg for Arhar (Tur), Rs 103.46 per kg for Sesame, and Rs 83.43 per kg for Sunflower. Procurement will be undertaken by NAFED in collaboration with the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board through designated collection centres. Payments will be made directly to farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and eliminating intermediaries.

The Chief Minister noted that, in addition to the crops already covered under the state government’s MSP initiatives, three more crops are now receiving price support through the Central Government, providing further assurance and market security to farmers.

He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of the projects and programmes launched.

The programme was attended by around 250 participants, including farmers, representatives of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperative societies, and officials from various districts. The inauguration was followed by the NCEL Ginger Export Awareness Workshop.

–IANS

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