In a recent conversation with Professor Lalnilawma, we gained valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Public Health Engineering and horticulture in Mizoram. Professor Lalnilawma, an esteemed expert in the field, highlighted the significant strides being made under central government schemes such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Mission for Integrated Horticulture Development (MIDH). He discussed the advancements in ensuring safe drinking water, the challenges and progress in horticultural cultivation, and the state's aspirations to boost its presence in the global market. Notably, Mizoram's recent accolade at the International Agriculture and Horticulture Expo underscores the promising future of its horticultural sector.
Excerpts of the interview are as under:
Business North East: Can you provide us with some insights into the current state of Public Health Engineering in Mizoram?
Professor Lalnilawma: Certainly. Our Public Health Engineering (PHE) department's work can be broadly categorized into two sectors: urban and rural. The urban sector is managed under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) schemes, while the rural sector is largely covered by the Jal Jeevan Mission. We've been making significant progress with these central schemes, covering all villages so far. With the recent extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission, we're set to reach a few remaining villages. Our aim is to ensure comprehensive coverage and improved water supply.
BNE: Moving on to horticulture, what steps are being taken to promote the cultivation of horticultural crops in Mizoram?
Professor Lalnilawma: In Mizoram, we rely significantly on central schemes for horticulture as well. One major initiative is the Mission for Integrated Horticulture Development (MIDH) for the Northeast Region. This program supports the cultivation and area expansion of horticultural crops. Mizoram's diverse climatic conditions allow for a wide range of crops to thrive. However, we face challenges with market linkages and are working actively to address these issues to minimize market leakages.
BNE: Are there any specific initiatives aimed at ensuring the availability of safe drinking water?
Professor Lalnilawma: Yes, ensuring the availability of safe drinking water is a priority. We have established laboratories at each subdivision level to continuously monitor water quality. These labs test the water and provide reports to our headquarters, where we carefully monitor and manage water quality standards.
BNE: Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives to promote Mizoram’s horticultural products in the global market?
Professor Lalnilawma: Indeed, we are actively working on enhancing market linkages for our horticultural products. During my recent visit to Delhi, I met with the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Sri Chauhan ji, and requested support for improving market linkages. He assured us that efforts would be made to assist us. We are hopeful that in the coming years, we will see our local horticultural products gaining a stronger presence in the global market. And you know, our recent visit was also on like, a marketing endeavour. There was an international Agriculture and horticulture Expo, which was held between 20th to 22nd July, recently. So we attended the thing and we got the best out of it.
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