By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A central government-supported scheme worth Rs 189.79 crore has been rolled out in Mizoram to strengthen the state’s ginger industry and improve its reach in global markets.
Officials formally introduced the Mizoram Ginger Mission on Wednesday, May 13 through a virtual programme led by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia and Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
Aizawl’s Chief Minister’s Office hosted the launch event, which was attended by Horticulture Minister C Lalsawivunga and other senior state officials.
Under the supervision of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, the programme aims to reshape ginger cultivation by expanding processing facilities, encouraging branding, increasing value addition, and improving export connectivity.
At the event, Scindia said the Prime Minister envisions farmers being involved across every stage of agriculture, from production to the final consumer stage.
He further highlighted that Mizo ginger has an oleoresin content ranging between 6 and 8 per cent, which is well above the global average of about 3 per cent. Despite this advantage, farmers receive only Rs 8–Rs 15 per kilogram while global market rates can go beyond Rs 500 per kilogram.
The Union minister described the initiative as the “Mizo Ginger Movement” and explained that it is built on four main components, coordination between stakeholders, value addition through processing, branding of produce, and wider market integration.
Planned interventions under the mission include the creation of a large integrated processing unit, three supporting centres, and over 30 supporting activities, with nearly 20,000 farming families expected to be linked into a structured value chain.
He added that the long-term vision is to place “Mizo Ginger” in international markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, supported by product traceability and global certification standards.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma stated that the programme will prioritise eco-friendly farming, safer food practices, increased mechanisation, solar-based farming solutions, and improved facilities after harvest.
He also mentioned that Mizoram’s ginger varieties, Thingpui and Thinglaidum, were awarded Geographical Indication tags in 2021, strengthening their official identity.
According to him, laboratory analysis conducted by Eurofins Analytical Services in Bengaluru has confirmed that Mizoram ginger complies with international quality norms.
In Mizoram, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government continues its support to farmers through minimum support price schemes covering various agricultural commodities, with ginger being one of the key crops.