Northeast Desk, 27th June: The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government in Mizoram has embarked on a significant initiative to support local farmers by purchasing key agricultural products directly from them. Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata announced the government’s commitment to buy ginger, turmeric, chilli, and broomsticks from farmers, fulfilling a promise made during the state elections last December.
Vanlalruata emphasized that the government would establish support prices for each crop and facilitate market arrangements to ensure farmers receive prices higher than the support rates. The initiative aims to enhance market linkages, with a projected timeline of three years to complete the process.
“In the upcoming years, farmers will establish direct buyer contacts, reducing the government’s intermediary role,” stated Vanlalruata, highlighting plans to develop a comprehensive database on farmers and their annual crop production expectations.
The minister projected a production of over 10 lakh quintals of ginger statewide next year, underscoring the need for robust market mechanisms. The government plans to conduct tenders through local agricultural societies to attract buyers, including agreements with large companies for ginger procurement. Processing facilities will also be established for sorting, grading, drying ginger, and producing value-added products like ginger paste and ale.
To strengthen agricultural financing, Vanlalruata encouraged farmers to form Multipurpose Primary Agriculture Credit Societies in their villages. He affirmed that all agricultural transactions would be facilitated through these local societies, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
The ZPM government’s initiatives mark a significant shift in Mizoram’s agricultural policy, aiming to empower farmers economically and reduce dependency on government interventions in the long run. The measures are part of broader efforts to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods across the state following the electoral success of the ZPM party.
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