75/2026-2027
Aizawl, 13 May 2026: The Mizoram Ginger Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – Sustainable Cultivation & Value Chain Development Project, to be implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) with an outlay of Rs. 189.78 crore, was inaugurated today through an online programme by Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma and Union Minister for DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The inauguration programme was held at the Chief Minister’s Office under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma. It was attended by Shri C. Lalsawivunga, Minister for Horticulture; Dr. K.C. Lalmalsawmzauva, Adviser to the Chief Minister; Shri Khilli Ram Meena, Chief Secretary; and senior officials of the Government of Mizoram. Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia joined virtually from New Delhi, while officials from the Ministry of DoNER and ginger farmers from Champhai district also participated online.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the Ministry of DoNER had recognized Mizoram ginger as a Unique Selling Proposition (USP). In recognition of this distinction, the Ministry has approved the Rs. 189.78 crore project for sustainable cultivation and value chain development. The project will focus on Sustainable Cultivation, Quality Control & Food Safety, Farm Mechanization & Solarisation, and Post-Harvest Management & Processing. Other components will be implemented in convergence with schemes of various Ministries. The Post-Harvest Management & Processing component, in particular, will receive Gap Funding support from the NEC’s Focused Development Component (FDC).
The Chief Minister further highlighted that ginger has been cultivated by the Mizos since ancient times and continues to be one of the most widely grown cash crops in the state. Mizoram ginger is known for its superior quality, distinctive aroma, medicinal value, low fibre content, and rich oleoresin and essential oil content. Among the three main varieties cultivated in Mizoram, Thingpui and Thinglaidum received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2021. In 2025, chemical residue testing conducted by Eurofins Analytical Services, Bengaluru, confirmed that Mizoram ginger successfully met quality standards. He added that the recent recognition as a Unique Selling Proposition further strengthens the crop’s potential and identity.
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his address, said that strengthening farmers’ collective participation and livelihoods is one of the key priorities of the Prime Minister of India. As farmers’ development is central to the nation’s progress, the Government has been undertaking various initiatives to empower them. He stated that this project would be implemented in collaboration with different Ministries, farmers, societies, and the State Government, and that the unique and high-quality ginger of Mizoram would now be promoted more widely.
The project will be implemented in convergence with various departmental schemes. Sustainable Cultivation and Farm Mechanization components will be carried out in coordination with the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Rural Development Departments. The Processing component will be implemented with NEC Focused Development Component (FDC) funding amounting to Rs. 30.13 crore.
Regarding the processing unit, a major Processing Hub (Main Hub) will be established at Mualkawi in Champhai district, which is the highest ginger-producing district in Mizoram. Supporting smaller Spoke Hubs will be set up at Tualcheng, Vaphai, and Zotlang. The Main Hub is proposed to be managed by larger investors, while the three smaller units are planned to be operated by local societies.
The infrastructure works are targeted for completion within this year, with ginger processing activities expected to commence from next year onward.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena.
