In a significant step towards transforming Mizoram's agricultural landscape, Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday launched the "Chief Minister's Rubber Mission" benefiting 1,000 farmers each year.
A senior official said that the "Chief Minister's Rubber Mission", set to commence in the 2025-26 financial year, aims to cultivate 1,000 hectares annually, benefiting 1,000 farmers each year.
The mission's first phase, spanning four years, targets the development of 4,000 hectares of land, he said.
Addressing the function at the Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall, Aizawl, the Chief Minister highlighted the potential of rubber as a globally high-demand crop that offers sustainable income opportunities while contributing to environmental conservation.
Lalduhoma acknowledged the past struggles faced by Mizoram's farmers with various crops and plantation initiatives, which often led to disappointment and eroded trust in government programs.
He assured the public of the mission's well-planned design and its potential to utilise Mizoram's arable land effectively, transforming the state into a rubber production hub.
Before launching the mission, officials of the state conducted an in-depth study by visiting Tripura, Kerala, and the Rubber Board of India, gaining valuable insights and expertise to ensure the program's successful implementation.
Minister for Land Resources Lalthansanga commended the Chief Minister’s vision and revealed that the initiative was conceptualised after extensive consultations with Rubber Board of India Chairman, Sawar Dhanania.
He emphasised that the nodal department is fully prepared to execute the mission efficiently and deliver tangible benefits to farmers.
In a significant moment during the event, NABARD's General Manager Pankaja Borah handed over a sanction letter of Rs 27.98 crore for the initial phase of the mission, which will cover seven of the 11 districts in the state.
The Mizoram Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission exemplifies the state government's dedication to economic empowerment and environmental sustainability for farmers, marking a new chapter in Mizoram's agricultural progress, officials pointed out.
Minister for Land Resources, Soil & Water Conservation Lalthansanga also attended the function.
Only Tripura tableau from NE to be displayed at R-Day parade
From the eight northeastern states, only the Tripura tableau will be displayed this year during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, officials said on Thursday.
Manipur on alert to prevent infiltrators from B'desh: CM Biren Singh
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Thursday said that the state on its eastern side has been facing illegal infiltration problems from Myanmar, adding an alert is also being maintained in the state's western as well as southern regions to block the illegal entry of people from the neighbouring country.
Foreign cigarettes valued at 3.38 crore seized in Mizoram, one arrested
Foreign cigarettes valued at Rs 3.38 crore were seized from Tuichang bridge areas of Lawngtlai district in Mizoram and one person was arrested in this connection, officials said on Thursday.
Colorful rally of Netaji Subhash Vidyaniketan dazzles in Agartala to mark Netaji’s birthday
Like every year, this year too, the colourful tableaus of Netaji Subhas Vidyaniketan school here at Agartala rolled over the streets of the capital town and captivated all with its dazzling display of culture and heritage.
NCLAT stays CCI ban on WhatsApp, Meta evaluating next steps
Mark Zuckerberg-run Meta on Thursday said it welcomes the decision of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to stay the ban imposed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on WhatsApp and will evaluate next steps.
Delhi elections: Parties scale up poll campaign, top leaders to address rallies
With less than a fortnight to go for Delhi Assembly elections, the electioneering is reaching a feversish pitch with top leaders of respective parties hitting the streets to woo the electorate.
I-T raids on leading Tollywood filmmakers continue for third day
The raids were also continuing on the leading production houses Mythri Movie Makers and Mango Media. The department has not yet come out with a statement about the searches but it is believed that it identified a mismatch between the revenues earned by some recent movies and the income tax paid.
One of the greatest sons of Bharat Mata: Prez Murmu pays tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 127th birth anniversary, acknowledging his monumental role in India's freedom struggle and his enduring legacy.