Agriculture Minister Pu C. Lalrinsanga held a review and presentation meeting with officers working under the Department of Agriculture at the Directorate of Agriculture Committee Room today.

While commending the efforts of the Agriculture officers in improving the condition of farmers in Mizoram, the Minister urged them to put in renewed efforts to increase farmers’ income and to drive the agrarian sector towards self sufficiency in the State. He reiterated the government’s endeavor to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency, for which Agriculture Development Board is constituted. Promoting increased use of organic fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers, extensive use of farm mechanization, coordination with the State’s Irrigation Department for sufficiency in water supply, adoption of new cropping pattern, command area development under WRC-I and WRC-II etc. are key issues to be addressed, the Minister said.

Pu C.Lalrinsanga said that Pradhan Mantri Maan Dhan Yojana (PMMDY) will be rolled out shortly which will benefit eligible unorganized workers in Mizoram. This is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, under which the subscriber will receive a minimum assured pension after the age of 60 years. Farmer census and accurate farm land record has to be maintained to ensure that the right persons will avail the benefit and no deserving candidates left behind, he added.

Dr H. Saithantluanga, Director, Agriculture Research and Extension and Pu Rohmingthanga Colney, Agricuture Crop Husbandry gave the Department’s activity reports and also highlighted the action plans laid out by the Agriculture Department.