Agriculture Minister Studies Cocoa Cultivation Practices in Kerala

Aizawl, March 2026: The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister of Mizoram, Pu PC Vanlalruata, visited Kerala to study cocoa cultivation practices and explore their potential for adoption in Mizoram. During his visit, he toured several cocoa plantations in Kurisumooti near Kottayam, gaining firsthand insight into cultivation techniques and farming methods.

The Minister was accompanied by noted cocoa farmer Pu Dominic Sebastian, who guided him through various plantation sites and explained the processes involved in cocoa farming. Kerala is known for its successful cocoa cultivation, particularly in areas located below 500 metres above sea level. Cocoa is widely grown in combination with crops such as arecanut, coconut, rubber, and oil palm, making it a viable component of multi-cropping systems.

Officials believe that similar conditions exist in parts of Mizoram, especially in regions below 500 metres in altitude, where cocoa cultivation could potentially be introduced successfully. The visit aimed to assess the feasibility of replicating Kerala’s model to diversify agricultural practices and enhance farmers’ income in Mizoram.

The Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, including Secretary Pi Ramdinliani, Consultant Pu Tlangtimawia Zote, and Assistant District Agriculture Officer (ADAO) Pu Lalrinzuala.

The study tour is part of the state government’s broader efforts to identify sustainable and profitable agricultural practices that can benefit local farmers and strengthen the rural economy.