Aizawl, Oct 9 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday said the state government is exploring financial assistance and scientific interventions to strengthen areca nut cultivation, as the crop faces a serious pest infestation that has affected plantations since 2021.
Inaugurating a training-cum-seminar on scientific arecanut cultivation and pest management here, Lalduhoma said arecanut plantations cover around 67,380 hectares across Mizoram, with production estimated at 5.12 lakh quintals in 2025-26.
He expressed satisfaction that Mizoram ranked fifth among areca nut-producing states in the country, and said that aspiring growers could seek assistance under the state flagship “Bana Kaih” or Handholding scheme and the chief minister’s special package.
The chief minister said officials of the state Land Resources, Soil and Water Conservation department and scientists from the Union Agriculture Ministry’s Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development had conducted field investigations into the pest infestation.
A report identifying its possible causes and recommending control measures was being prepared for submission to the Union Agriculture Minister, he said, expressing hope for central assistance to tackle the problem.
The government was also exploring intercropping arecanut with cocoa in consultation with the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Lalduhoma said.
He urged growers to adopt scientific cultivation practices and follow expert advice to improve plantation management and productivity.
Acknowledging the need for better farm infrastructure and inputs, Lalduhoma said that the government was addressing growers’ demands for pest-control medicines, fertilisers, irrigation facilities and access or link roads in phases.
He said that Rs 27.66 crore had been secured through NABARD and the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for constructing 170 km of link roads to plantations of arecanut, rubber and broom grass at various locations.
Lalduhoma also said the government was exploring carbon-finance opportunities for arecanut, rubber and coffee plantations, which absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change. Discussions were underway with carbon-trading agencies and carbon aggregators, and the initiative could provide plantation owners with additional income through carbon credits, he added.
Land Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Minister Lalthansanga, who attended the event, described farmers as the government’s VIPs and said that efforts are being made to promote scientific, research-based farming.
He said growers often encountered difficulties when relying solely on traditional practices and urged them to make effective use of the training. PTI CORR RG
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