National Conference On Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Participates In Rabi Campaign

Sept 2025: Pu PC Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, participated in the two-day National Conference on Agriculture: Rabi Campaign 2025 held in New Delhi.

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, brought together agriculture ministers from different states. It was convened to prepare for the upcoming Rabi season and to discuss strategies for implementation.

During his address, the Agriculture Minister highlighted that Mizoram’s most pressing need is the development of quality farm roads. He explained that, being a hilly state, interconnectivity is difficult, and heavy rainfall often damages farmland, creating challenges for farmers. He requested greater support from the central government to improve farm road infrastructure.

He shared that Wet Rice Cultivation (WRC) is currently being undertaken on 8,175 hectares, while the potential cultivable area for WRC remains as high as 1,39,372 hectares. Under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm, initiatives are underway, though farmers continue to face difficulties due to inadequate farm road access. Similarly, under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds, progress has been made in Rapeseed and Niger cultivation, with 3.76 quintals of Rapeseed seedlings and 10 quintals of Niger seeds distributed. Block-level demonstrations are also being carried out across various districts.

The Minister also mentioned initiatives to promote Tung (Aleurites fordii), stating that an action plan worth ₹399.37 lakh has already been sanctioned. To accelerate progress, the Union Agriculture Minister has been requested to integrate Tung promotion under the NMEO–Oilseeds scheme. Presently, 331 households in Saitual, Khawzawl, and Serchhip districts have planted Tung, with yields expected within 3–4 years.

Under the National Food Security & Nutrition Mission, cluster demonstrations for field pea and rajmah are ongoing, along with rice–pulse cropping initiatives. Seed distribution has also been carried out, with 24.90 quintals already distributed. Preparations are underway for the Rabi season in collaboration with ICAR-IIPR and NEH institutions.

Speaking about Cocoa, the Minister recalled his participation in the National Cocoa Conclave in Jorhat, noting that Mizoram’s climate is highly suitable for cocoa cultivation. Plans are being made to promote cocoa intercropping with oil palm and tung to enhance farmers’ income. For this, quality cocoa seedlings will be required, and the Minister urged the central government to support Mizoram in establishing nurseries in collaboration with ICAR.

He stressed that Mizoram, being a hill state, faces unique challenges in effectively implementing central schemes. Therefore, special state-specific schemes tailored to Mizoram’s land, soil, and climatic conditions are essential, and for this, continuous central support is critical.

The Minister was accompanied by Pi Ramdinliani, IAS, Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; Pu R. Lalnunzira, Director; and Pu Lalhmingmuana Renthlei, Joint Director.