Aizawl, Apr 24: Mizoram Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), met with officials from the state’s Agriculture and Horticulture Departments at the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday to discuss various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing agricultural practices in Mizoram.

Governor Singh stressed the need for the state to adopt innovative and sustainable farming methods, with a focus on transitioning to organic, fertilizer-free agriculture. He highlighted the importance of organic certification, setting up laboratories, and maintaining high standards to establish the credibility of organic products. The Governor also called for a robust supply chain to ensure farmers’ benefits and minimize the exploitation by intermediaries.

Pi Ramdinliani, Special Secretary for Agriculture and Horticulture, shared that around 10% of Mizoram’s total geographical area is utilized for agricultural and horticultural activities. She outlined several departmental schemes aimed at reducing shifting cultivation, a traditional practice in the hills.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing projects, including efforts to promote Mizoram as an organic state, cluster-based farming, and soil fertility enhancement. Discussions included the establishment of two Integrated Processing Units for ginger and procurement of equipment such as slicers and solar dryers. Mizoram currently has 8,000 hectares of certified organic farmland, with an additional 5,500 hectares in the process of certification.

Agriculture Director Pu R. Lalnunzira, Horticulture Director Pu CH Lalmuanpuia, and senior officials from both departments were present at the meeting.