Mizoram Initiates Direct Farm Procurement to Strengthen Agricultural Economy
The Mizoram government, under Chief Minister Lalduhoma , will commence the direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers starting February 2 , 2026. This move is a key component of the state’s flagship Bana Kaih handholding initiative, aimed at ensuring assured market access and stable incomes for cultivators. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang near Aizawl, reinforcing the state's commitment to farm-led growth and value addition.
Bana Kaih Scheme: Ensuring Price Support and Market Access
The Bana Kaih programme , operational since September 2024 , is a state-level price support and market assurance mechanism. It is designed to reduce farmers' dependence on intermediaries by procuring crops at notified support prices . Currently, the scheme covers ginger, turmeric, chilli, dry broomsticks, and unhusked rice (paddy) , providing a safety net for agricultural producers and stabilizing rural incomes.
Mizoram: Recognised as the Ginger Capital of India
Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted a significant transformation in the state’s agrarian profile. He noted that while Mizoram has always been predominantly agrarian, it has now earned national recognition as the “ginger capital of India,” a status recently affirmed by NITI Aayog . This accolade underscores the success of sustained farmer efforts and targeted state policy support in establishing a distinctive agricultural identity for the state.
Economic Impact and Scale of State Intervention
State-led procurement has had a substantial economic impact. In the previous year, the government spent approximately ₹137.72 crore on procuring ginger alone at support prices. Additionally, it procured 48,602.29 quintals of dried broomsticks (worth nearly ₹2 crore) and 1,473 quintals of unhusked rice (valued at about ₹44.18 lakh). The new processing unit at Sairang is expected to add value, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance price realization for ginger farmers.
Focus on Crop Diversification and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the government plans to intensify efforts in promoting sapthei fruit cultivation for large-scale farming. This focus on crop diversification is central to the Zoram People’s Movement government’s agricultural policy, aiming to create multiple income sources and build a more resilient rural economy. The twin strategy of assured procurement and diversification is poised to strengthen Mizoram’s agrarian foundation sustainably.
Exam-Focused Key Points:
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Mizoram to start direct procurement of ginger and dry broomsticks from farmers from February 2, 2026 .
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Procurement is under the Bana Kaih price support and market assurance scheme (operational since Sept 2024).
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Mizoram is officially recognised as the "Ginger Capital of India" (as affirmed by NITI Aayog).
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Other crops covered under Bana Kaih: Turmeric, Chilli, and Unhusked Rice .
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In the previous year, ~₹137.72 crore was spent on ginger procurement alone.
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A ginger processing unit at Sairang was inaugurated to add
Month: Current Affairs - January 17, 2026
Category: Governance-Agriculture