Khawzawl, September, 2026: The three-day Pluck and Pay Festival, organised for the first time in Mizoram jointly by the Tourism Department and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Khawzawl, was inaugurated today at Vanhnuailiana Hall, Tualte. Tourism Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar said that the natural beauty of Mizoram, its clean environment, forests and natural resources are among the major attractions for tourists. He expressed his appreciation for the organisation of the Pluck and Pay Festival as an initiative to showcase the natural beauty and agricultural wealth of the State.
He also lauded the decision to organise the festival without the use of single-use plastic and stated that efforts would be made to promote similar green festivals in future. He further expressed his appreciation for the strong convergence and cooperation among various departments in organising the festival.
The Chief Guest encouraged tourists from outside Mizoram to visit the festival while emphasising that people living within the State should first appreciate, preserve and take pride in the beautiful and important places in their own land. He said that the people of Mizoram can become ambassadors of the State by visiting and promoting its natural beauty. He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Chawngtlai and Tualte for their active participation and efforts, and extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the festival.
Khawzawl Deputy Commissioner Pu K. Vanlalthiana, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address. He stated that the organisation of the Pluck and Pay Festival at Tualte and Chawngtlai marks a significant milestone for the development of Khawzawl District. He expressed his gratitude to the departments involved in organising the festival and to the Village Councils of the host villages. He invited visitors to enjoy the three-day festival by witnessing the hard work of local farmers and purchasing their fresh produce.
Khawzawl Addl. Deputy Commissioner Pu K. Zorammuana, who is also the Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee, presented the festival report. He informed that three kiwi orchards, five passion fruit orchards and five tomato farms have been selected at Chawngtlai for visitors, while two passion fruit orchards, five banana plantations, five tomato farms and two bean farms have been selected at Tualte.
He further stated that the District Agriculture Office and District Horticulture Office, Khawzawl, would showcase their various initiatives and fresh agricultural produce during the festival. In addition, a Block Mela is being organised jointly by the Block Mission Management Unit, Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM), Khawzawl RD Block and NABARD.
Pu C. Zosangliana, Addl. Director, Horticulture Department, spoke about the initiatives undertaken by the Department to promote fruit and vegetable cultivation in Tualte and Chawngtlai.
He stated that the Horticulture Department began promoting tomato cultivation in Tualte around 2019. More than 200 households have since taken up tomato cultivation as a livelihood. To date, they have produced more than 1 lakh quintals of tomatoes and generated an income of over Rs. 1,400 lakh. He also informed that during 2025–2026, 151 households in Tualte were selected for passion fruit cultivation under the MIDH Scheme, and the initiative is currently progressing.
In Chawngtlai, around 10 households began cultivating passion fruit as early as 1995. Despite facing various challenges over the years, cultivation has since been revived and the number of growers has steadily increased. Various material components required for passion fruit cultivation have also been provided to the farmers.
Tomato cultivation in Chawngtlai began on a more organised scale around 2020, and more than 120 households are currently engaged in tomato cultivation as a livelihood. To date, more than 8,000 quintals of tomatoes have been sold, generating an income of over Rs. 400 lakh. Chawngtlai is currently among the major tomato-producing areas in Mizoram and its intensive agricultural activities serve as an example for other villages.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Pu Lalchhanchhuaha, Village Council President, Tualte, while Pi Lalthakimi Pachuau, Joint Director, Tourism Department, delivered the vote of thanks and formally concluded the programme.
The Pluck and Pay Festival is being held from 23–25 September 2026 at Chawngtlai and Tualte. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to visit the farms of local farmers in the host villages, where they can pick and purchase a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Several stalls showcasing agricultural produce and products made by local artisans have also been set up at Chawngtlai. Zawlkhaw Adventure Club is organising zipline activities for visitors.
Under the guidance of the Chawngtlai Historical Society and Tualte Vanglai Committee, visitors can also explore various historical and tourist sites, including Pathian Tlang, Nikuala Lungdawh, Zo Hill Station, Pasaltha Memorial sites and other places of interest.
Various traditional Mizo sports and recreational activities have also been organised for visitors. A concert featuring several popular Mizo artistes will also be held in the evening.
