Aizawl, March 29: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Friday that the state government will set up areca nut processing plants in two districts to support local farmers.
Speaking at a seminar on scientific cultivation and pest management for areca nuts in Aizawl, he revealed that the North Eastern Council (NEC) has approved a budget of Rs 7.43 crore for the initiative. The processing units will be established in Chemphai (Kolasib district) and Zamuang (Mamit district).
Lalduhoma expressed confidence that these facilities will enhance market opportunities, add value to local produce, and ease the struggles of farmers.
He noted that the illegal import of areca nuts from Myanmar has hurt local growers, making it difficult for them to secure fair prices. While the government has tried to curb Burmese areca nut smuggling, completely eliminating the practice remains a challenge.
The new processing units will help farmers by enabling the production of dried and soaked areca nuts, compost from areca nut peels, and biodegradable disposable plates from areca sheaths.
Although the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the DoNER Ministry do not promote areca nut cultivation, the Mizoram government allows interested farmers to grow the crop.
Lalduhoma also revealed that 318 people have applied for assistance under the state’s ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme, while 93 applications have been received under the Chief Minister’s special package for areca nut cultivation.
(With inputs from NENow)