Mizoram Government to Procure Ginger, Broomsticks Under Bana Kaih

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced that the state government will begin procuring ginger and dry broomsticks directly from farmers from February 2 under its flagship Bana Kaih handholding initiative. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a ginger processing unit at Sairang, located about 21 kilometres from Aizawl, marking another step towards strengthening farm-led growth in the state.

Bana Kaih Scheme and Direct Farmer Support

Under the Bana Kaih programme, the Mizoram government will procure ginger and dry broomsticks at notified support prices. This ensures assured income and market access for cultivators. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to reducing farmers’ dependence on intermediaries and stabilising agricultural incomes. The scheme has been operational since September 2024 and covers crops such as ginger, turmeric, chilli, broomsticks and unhusked rice.

Mizoram’s Emergence as Ginger Capital

Highlighting the transformation in the agricultural landscape, Lalduhoma stated that despite Mizoram being a predominantly agrarian state, no crop had earlier brought it distinct national recognition. He noted that Mizoram is now widely recognised as the ginger capital of India, a status recently affirmed by NITI Aayog. The recognition underscores the sustained efforts of farmers and policy support from the state.

Economic Impact of Ginger Procurement

Ginger cultivation has significantly improved the livelihoods of farming families by enhancing income levels and purchasing power. Officials said the state government spent around Rs 137.72 crore last year on the procurement of ginger alone as support price. In the same period, 48,602.29 quintals of dried broomsticks worth nearly Rs 2 crore and 1,473 quintals of unhusked rice valued at about Rs 44.18 lakh were also procured, reflecting the scale of state intervention.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Mizoram has been declared the ginger capital of India by NITI Aayog.
• Bana Kaih is a state-level price support and market assurance scheme.
• The scheme includes crops like ginger, turmeric, chilli, broomsticks and paddy.
• Ginger processing units add value and reduce post-harvest losses.

Focus on Crop Diversification and Rural Economy

The chief minister also highlighted Mizoram’s potential in sapthei fruit cultivation. He said efforts would be intensified to promote its large-scale farming to diversify income sources and strengthen the rural economy. The Zoram People’s Movement government reiterated that sustained crop diversification and assured procurement would remain central to its agricultural policy agenda.