262/2026-2027

Dated Aizawl, the 29th July 2026: Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Pu P.C. Vanlalruata today flagged off the distribution of sunflower seeds to all 10 districts of Mizoram at a programme held at the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Aizawl. The event also marked the launch of a campaign to promote large-scale cultivation of sunflower during the late Kharif season.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister expressed his appreciation for being part of the campaign launch and commended the dedication and hard work of the officers and staff of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department. He expressed confidence that their committed efforts would contribute significantly to the progress and welfare of the farmers in the State.

Highlighting the increasing demand for edible oils in the country, the Minister said that India recorded an annual edible oil demand of over 25 million metric tonnes in 2024, while domestic production stood at only about 12.1 million metric tonnes, meeting less than 40 per cent of the country's requirement. As a result, India imports nearly 15.6 million metric tonnes, or around 60 per cent, of its edible oil requirement from abroad. He further noted that the per capita annual edible oil consumption in India is around 18–19 kg.

The Minister said that the Government of Mizoram is effectively implementing the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) to promote self-reliance among farmers and enhance their income. He encouraged farmers to diversify beyond conventional crops like ginger by taking up sunflower cultivation, expressing confidence that it would significantly increase their earnings while also serving as a beneficial crop in existing farming systems.

Pu P.C. Vanlalruata expressed confidence that Mizoram would continue to make steady progress under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO). He informed that, under the guidance of the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board, the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) will procure sunflower seeds directly from farmers at a fixed price of ₹83.43 per kg. He expressed hope that the mission would be implemented successfully and bring substantial benefits to the farmers.

The programme was chaired by Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, Pi Ramdinliani. A technical report was presented by Deputy Director (Crops), Pi Vanlalngaii, while Gram Sevak Pu Lalramenga of Khawbung Block, Champhai District, delivered a presentation on the advantages of intercropping ginger with sunflower. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Director, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, Pi Vanramthangi.