Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced that enhanced efforts against the smuggling of areca nuts have led to increased prices of the commodity, attributing this success to collaboration among police, district officials, and civil society since his administration began in December 2023. At an areca nut festival in Rengtei, he highlighted that last year’s cultivation spanned approximately 30,000 hectares, yielding nearly 2 lakh quintals. Early projections for the current harvest season indicate strong returns, bolstering the state’s economy as areca nut is a significant contributor.
The government is focusing on expanding areca nut plantations, supported by state loans and a special package under the Handholding Scheme. Furthermore, a processing plant is set to open in Buhchangphai to enhance marketability and farmer income, with additional processing centers in Zawmang and Chempai under development at a cost of Rs 7.43 crore funded by the North Eastern Council. The Chief Minister also announced plans for constructing 170 kilometers of roads to improve access to cultivation areas. Currently, areca nuts from Mamit, near Tripura and Bangladesh, are being sold for over Rs 50 per kilogram during the harvest season. This reflects the positive impact of government initiatives on the local agriculture sector.
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