Mizoram government to purchase four key crops from farmers

Aizawl: A minister announced that the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, will buy four locally grown agricultural crops to support farmers in Mizoram, fulfilling their pre-election commitments.

Agriculture minister PC Vanlalruata announced at a press conference in Aizawl that the government will purchase ginger, turmeric, chilli, and broomstick to support local farmers.

The minister announced that the government will establish a minimum price for all crops and facilitate markets to ensure farmers can sell their produce above the set price. He also mentioned that efforts are being directed towards creating market connections, with a timeline of three years for completion.

He said that after three years, farmers are anticipated to directly interact with buyers, thus decreasing the government's role in the buying and selling process. The government plans to create database and gather information from farmers, such as the anticipated crop yields for the year.

According to the evaluation, Vanlalruata stated that farmers throughout the state are projected to produce more than 10 lakh quintals of ginger next year.

He mentioned that the government will release a tender through domestic agricultural organizations to seek out potential buyers for buying agricultural produce, particularly ginger. He also mentioned that in addition to the auction system, the government will enter into contracts with large companies (major buyers) to purchase ginger due to the 
insufficiency of selling all the produce in the state.

He mentioned that facilities will be established for processing ginger, including sorting, grading, and slicing for drying. Some plants will also produce ginger paste and ginger ale.

Vanlalruata also encouraged farmers to establish the Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Credit Society (MPACS) in their villages. He stated that all transactions involving the purchase and sale of agricultural goods will be conducted by local agricultural associations.

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