By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Tuesday launched the Mizo Ginger Unique Selling Proposition (USP) Mission and announced the implementation of the PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme for arhar, sesame and sunflower from the current harvest season.
The initiatives were unveiled during a Ginger Export Awareness Workshop organised by the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) in Aizawl.
Addressing the event, Lalduhoma said ginger has been recognised as Mizoram’s Unique Selling Proposition under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
He said the state government, with support from the DoNER Ministry, has launched the Sustainable Cultivation and Post-Harvest Management Project to strengthen the ginger sector and improve value addition.
Under the project, four ginger processing units are being established in Champhai district, Mizoram’s largest ginger-producing region bordering Myanmar. The project has received financial support of Rs 30.13 crore from the DoNER Ministry and is expected to benefit around 20,000 ginger farmers while generating about 100 jobs, he said.
Lalduhoma said the government aims to expand market access for Mizoram ginger by leveraging its quality and Geographical Indication (GI) status. Plans are also underway to develop processed products, including ginger oil and other ginger-based commodities.
To improve export readiness, the state government has partnered with NCEL to conduct training and awareness programmes on export procedures and market access for farmers and producer groups.
The Chief Minister also announced the rollout of the PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme in the state for arhar (tur), sesame and sunflower.
Under the scheme, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been fixed at Rs 84.50 per kg for arhar, Rs 103.46 per kg for sesame and Rs 83.43 per kg for sunflower.
Officials said procurement will be carried out by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) in collaboration with the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board through designated collection centres.
The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Lalbiakzama, Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata, Horticulture Minister C. Sawivunga and around 250 participants, including farmers, representatives of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperative societies and officials from various districts.
