Aizawl, Feb 25: Mizoram Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata announced on Wednesday that the state is gearing up to implement the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), with the government offering substantial premium subsidies to ease farmers’ financial burdens.

Speaking in the assembly, Vanlalruata revealed that a State Level Coordination Committee on Crop Insurance (SLCCCI) has been formed to oversee the scheme, initially covering five key crops: paddy, ginger, Mizo chilli, cabbage, and brinjal.

The rollout will begin in high-production districts, with plans for phased expansion. Ginger farmers across all 11 districts will receive coverage, while paddy will target Champhai, Kolasib, and Mamit districts. Mizo chilli insurance will focus on Serchhip, Saitual, and Hnahthial, and brinjal and cabbage growers in Serchhip.

Under the state’s flagship ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme, subsidies will make coverage affordable: small farmers with less than one hectare pay just 10% of the premium (state covers 90%), those with 1-5 hectares get 80% subsidy, and larger holdings over 5 hectares receive 50% support.

TATA AIG has been selected as the insurer via tender process, Vanlalruata added.