As the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, has emphasized, the illegal import of ‘areca nut’ (betel nut) from Myanmar is causing significant challenges for local cultivators in the state to sell their produce at competitive prices. This issue is not limited to Mizoram, as it is also affecting farmers in Assam and Tripura, where betel nuts grow in large quantities.
To address this problem, the government has sanctioned Rs 7.43 crore for establishing areca nut processing units at Chemphai and Zamuang. These units will ensure proper processing of areca nut, create value-added products, and facilitate marketing. The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of proper utilisation of available resources to ensure increased productivity and economic benefits for farmers.
The issue of areca nut smuggling has been a persistent problem, with Assam Rifles and Customs officials, in a joint operation, seizing a consignment of areca nuts valued at Rs 1.08 crore in Mizoram on March 21. This is not an isolated incident, as large-scale smuggling of areca nuts from Myanmar is also affecting the economy and affecting farmers in Assam and Tripura.
The problem is so severe that the Assam government has imposed restrictions on the transportation of areca nuts, affecting the ferrying of areca nuts from Tripura to other parts of the country. However, with the intervention of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, the standoff regarding the areca nut supply from Tripura to Assam was partially resolved. CM Saha also discussed the matter with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking smooth transportation and trading of areca nuts grown in Tripura through Assam.
The issue of areca nut smuggling has also been a topic of discussion between Assam and Mizoram, with the two states reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards transportation of smuggled areca nuts from neighbouring Myanmar. The Mizoram government’s Land Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Department organized a training-cum-seminar on the “Scientific Methods of Cultivation of Areca nut and Pest Management”, which was attended by the Chief Minister, emphasizing the importance of adopting scientific methods to ensure increased productivity and economic benefits for farmers.
Overall, the illegal import of areca nut from Myanmar is a significant problem that requires urgent attention. The government and law enforcement agencies must work together to prevent the smuggling of areca nuts and ensure that local farmers are able to sell their produce at competitive prices.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/illicit-import-of-areca-nuts-from-myanmar-farmers-in-mizoram-facing-severe-challenges-cm
Category : North-East
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Publish Date: 2025-03-29 09:42:00
