AIZAWL, Feb 20: Mizoram Governor General (Retired) Vijay Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of agriculture for the state’s sustainable growth during his maiden address at the state assembly on the first day of the budget session. He highlighted the state’s focus on enhancing sustainable agricultural crop productivity, with the government prioritizing agriculture as a central mission.

The Governor spoke about the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System (FOCUS) Project, which aims to increase agricultural income for 55,000 households across six districts through climate-resilient farming practices. The project aligns with the state’s commitment to supporting agricultural development in the face of climate change challenges.

Singh also drew attention to the “Bana Kaih” handholding scheme, launched in September, designed to assist entrepreneurs and farmers through financial aid and programs targeting inclusive economic growth and self-sufficiency. The scheme will provide loans from partner banks to eligible beneficiaries and help support key crops. As part of the initiative, the government will purchase four vital crops—ginger, broom, turmeric, and Mizo bird-eye chili—and introduce a minimum support price (MSP) for them.

In line with the scheme, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced that the government would begin the mass collection of ginger and purchase broomsticks from farmers starting Thursday, with the purchasing process continuing through March.

The Governor further provided an update on the progress of agricultural development projects in the state. He mentioned that 1,734 hectares have already been covered under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-Oil Palm), with a target of expanding to 2,500 hectares in the 2024-25 period. This year, oil palm growers have sold 5,509 metric tons (MT) of oil palm and 703 MT of crude palm oil to partner companies. He added that quality seed sprouts will be produced at the Oil Palm Seed Garden in West Serzawl, Mamit district, starting from 2025-2026.

Governor Singh also discussed the state’s achievements under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) Phase-IV, with an MoU signed with four service providers in August to support organic farming.

Additionally, the Governor informed that 17 ongoing minor irrigation projects and 35 new projects would soon be implemented, alongside four groundwater irrigation projects covering 16 hectares, benefiting 119 farmers in the state.