Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended the Ginger Festival organized by the local community at Samthang Community Hall in Champhai district of Mizoram. Speaking on the occasion, he stressed the need to gradually promote organic ginger cultivation and strengthen ginger processing and value addition in Mizoram. He said the government is making steady preparations in this direction. The Chief Minister said Mizoram ginger is of high quality, suitable for medicinal use, rich in essential oils and low in fiber. In view of its potential, the state government secured approval from the Ministry of DoNER for the “Mizoram Ginger USP – Sustainable Cultivation and Value Chain Development Project” worth around Rs. 190 crores. Of this, Rs. 30.13 crore has been sanctioned for setting up ginger processing units.
He stated that the main processing unit will be established at Mualkawi in Champhai district, with supporting units planned at Tualcheng, Vaphai and Zotlang, benefitting farmers across the region. The Chief Minister emphasized that sustainable and organic farming practices are essential for improving the ginger market while protecting the soil. He also highlighted the importance of processing and value addition, noting that selling raw ginger alone results in lower returns and wastage.
Dr. KC Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister, said the success of ginger procurement was largely due to the hard work of farmers from Samthang and surrounding areas. He added that the government has already spent around Rs. 18 crores on support price procurement this year. The programme was chaired by Lianzika, Organising Chairman, with welcome remarks delivered by Lalchungnunga, VCP. Lalparliana, President of the Ginger Association, also addressed the gathering.
