Transforming Mizoram: Governor VK Singh’s Inspiring Push for Sustainable Agriculture to Boost Crop Productivity

The Mizoram government is intensifying its focus on agriculture, as Governor General (Retired) Vijay Kumar Singh emphasized during his inaugural address at the budget session of the state assembly. The primary aim is to boost sustainable crop productivity. A significant project being implemented is the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System (FOCUS), targeting an increase in agricultural income for 55,000 households through climate-adaptive practices across six districts.

Moreover, the state’s flagship “Bana Kaih” initiative, launched in September, is designed to support entrepreneurs and farmers by offering financial aid and promoting economic self-reliance. This scheme includes five key components, such as facilitating loans for progress partners through banks and financial institutions. As part of this initiative, the government has committed to purchasing ginger, broom grass, turmeric, and Mizo bird-eye chili from farmers, with a minimum support price in place for these crops. Notably, the mass collection of fresh ginger is set to commence, and broomsticks will be bought from farmers within March, as per Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

In the oil palm sector, Mizoram has covered 1,734 hectares under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm, nearing its target of 2,500 hectares for the 2024-25 period. Palm oil yields have been significant, with 5,509 MT of palm oil and 703 MT of crude palm oil sold to partner companies. By 2025-2026, quality seed sprouts are expected from the West Serzawl oil palm seed garden.

Further development is underway under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) Phase-IV, following a memorandum of understanding with four service providers. The state also advances irrigation, with 17 ongoing minor projects and 35 new ones in the pipeline. Additionally, four groundwater projects spanning 16 hectares will soon benefit 119 farmers, highlighting Mizoram’s robust commitment to agricultural growth and sustainability.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-prioritising-agriculture-to-enhance-sustainable-crop-productivity-governor-vk-singh-1172947-2025-02-19?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-02-19 22:52:00