Aizawl: The Mizoram government has unveiled plans to establish two areca nut processing plants in the districts of Kolasib and Mamit, aimed at addressing the challenges faced by local growers.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma made the announcement at a state-wide training and seminar on scientific methods of areca nut cultivation and pest management in Aizawl.
The North Eastern Council (NEC) has sanctioned Rs 7.43 crore for establishing the areca nut processing units at Chemphai in Kolasib district and Zamuang in Mamit district. These units are expected to facilitate marketing opportunities, create value-added products, and alleviate the problems faced by local areca nut growers.
The chief minister highlighted the impact of illegal areca nut imports from Myanmar on local growers, who struggle to sell their produce at reasonable prices. To combat this issue, the Mizoram government has been working to curb the smuggling of Burmese areca nuts, with significant success. However, the chief minister acknowledged that completely eradicating the illegal practice remains a challenge ¹.
The processing units will enable farmers to process dried and skob (water-drenched or soaked) areca nuts, produce compost from areca nut peels, and create biodegradable disposable plates from areca sheaths or leaves. Notably, the Mizoram government will allow interested farmers to grow areca nuts, despite the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and DoNER ministry not encouraging expansion of areca nut cultivation.
As of now, 318 people have applied for assistance under the flagship programme ‘Bana Kaih’ (handholding) scheme, and another 93 people under the CM special package for areca nut cultivation.
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