Mizoram - Ginger Capital of India

• Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated the Ginger Processing Unit established at the Sairang Horticulture Centre under the Handholding Scheme of the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Board (MAMB) on January 13.

• Despite being predominantly an agrarian state, no particular crop of Mizoram had earlier brought special recognition. 

• In December 2025, NITI Aayog formally declared Mizoram as the ‘Ginger Capital of India’, recognising the state’s reputation for producing high-quality ginger and its rapid growth in ginger production in recent years.

• The CM said ginger cultivation has enabled many families to earn better and has increased their purchasing power.

• The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government headed by Chief Minister Lalduhoma provides Minimum Support Price to farmers for certain crops like ginger, turmeric, broomsticks, chilli and paddy under the state’s flagship programme ‘Bana Kaih’ or handholding scheme.

• The next major ginger procurement season will begin on February 2, up to May 31.

• Mizoram’s economy is deeply rooted in its land and forests, from organic spices and horticultural crops to bamboo crafts and eco-tourism. 

• Ginger and turmeric are among Mizoram’s most important cash crops and exportable commodities. Cultivated across the state, these spices form a major part of local farming incomes.

• In 2024-25, the state produced over 60,000 tonnes of ginger and nearly 30,000 tonnes of turmeric, reflecting the steady growth of spice cultivation in Mizoram’s hilly terrain and favourable climate. 

• Together, these crops account for a major share of the state’s spice trade and are increasingly being promoted for export potential. 

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)