Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday announced that the state government will begin direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers starting February 2 under its flagship Bana Kaih handholding scheme.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang, about 21 km from Aizawl. Speaking at the event, Lalduhoma highlighted the transformation of Mizoram’s agricultural sector, noting that despite being a largely agrarian state, no crop had previously earned it national recognition.
“Today, Mizoram is recognised as the ginger capital of India, and this achievement is entirely due to the hard work of our farmers,” he said, adding that NITI Aayog has officially declared the state as the country’s “ginger capital”.
Under the Bana Kaih programme, the government will procure ginger and dry broomsticks at support prices to ensure assured income for cultivators. The chief minister said ginger farming has significantly improved the livelihoods of rural families by boosting their income and purchasing power.
Since the launch of the scheme in September 2024, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government has been procuring crops such as ginger, turmeric, chilli, broomsticks and unhusked rice in line with its election promises. Officials said the state spent approximately ₹137.72 crore last year on procuring ginger alone.
During the same period, the government also purchased 48,602.29 quintals of dried broomsticks worth nearly ₹2 crore and 1,473 quintals of unhusked rice valued at ₹44.18 lakh from farmers.
Lalduhoma also pointed to the strong potential of sapthei fruit in Mizoram and said efforts would be stepped up to promote its cultivation on a larger scale, with the aim of diversifying farm income and strengthening the rural economy.
