Chief Minister Inaugurates ICAR Krishi Mela Cum State-Level Farmers Workshop in Kolasib

Kolasib, December 2025: Today, Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma inaugurated the “Krishi Mela cum State-Level Farmers Workshop” at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) for December 11-12, 2025.

The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Tribal Farmers of Mizoram through Sustainable Hill Agriculture Technologies”, highlighted the transition from traditional jhum cultivation to sustainable, science-based farming methods. The Chief Minister emphasized that adopting modern agricultural technologies will help the state’s farmers cope with climate change, improve productivity, and ensure long-term food security.

During the workshop, the CM discussed the government’s flagship ‘Banakaih-Handholding Scheme’, which provides financial support and incentives, including loans, to farmers for cultivating cash and food crops. He noted that assistance has been extended to farmers cultivating dry broomstick, turmeric, ginger, rubber, and arecanut, and a total of 137 beneficiaries have already received support. Highlighting Mizoram’s potential, he cited the recognition by NITI Aayog of Mizoram as the “Ginger Capital of India” and noted the establishment of multiple processing units across the state.

The Chief Minister also stressed the success of the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission, which has expanded rubber cultivation to 2,575 hectares, with a target of 11,000 hectares in the coming years. Similarly, arecanut cultivation has been promoted in various districts, with processing units planned to further enhance farmer income.

The ICAR Mizoram Centre showcased advancements in agricultural technologies, including improved crop varieties like Siata Mimpui (paddy) and Mizo Popcorn-1, as well as initiatives in indigenous livestock rearing and integrated hill farming. The CM lauded the contributions of ICAR scientists, tribal farmers, and state agencies in promoting modern, sustainable agriculture across Mizoram.

Deputy Speaker of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Pu Lalfamkima highlighted the importance of ICAR in research, training, and technology dissemination, particularly in Kolasib district. The workshop included participation from farmers from Kolasib, Mamit, and Hailakandi districts, with demonstrations of innovative farming equipment such as power tillers, pedal-operated turmeric slicers, spice pulverizers, and mushroom cultivation units. A mobile app, ‘Gau Bandhu,’ was also launched to assist livestock farmers.

The workshop featured 25 stalls set up by line departments, FPOs, and progressive farmers, showcasing new technologies and farming practices. Senior officials, including Deputy Speaker Pu Lalfamkima, Deputy Commissioner Pu Robert C. Lalhmangaiha, Superintendent of Police Pu Lalrinpuia Varte, Dr. Anupam Mishra (Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal), Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah, Dr. S. Hazarika, and Dr. B.P. Singh, along with ICAR staff and Kolasib government officials, attended the event.

Team Maverick