Mizoram has been officially declared the ‘Ginger Capital of India’ by NITI Aayog, recognising its high-quality ginger production, major procurement achievements, and adoption of innovative drying technologies aimed at boosting exports and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.
The Government of Mizoram has formally expressed gratitude to NITI Aayog after the state was officially declared the ‘Ginger Capital of India’, marking a major agricultural milestone for the Northeast. The designation was announced during a high-level Stakeholders’ Consultation for Mizoram Ginger Produce held on November 24 in New Delhi, where senior government representatives and agricultural experts convened to assess the state’s ginger production landscape and its national significance.
According to a senior official in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the declaration reflects Mizoram’s growing reputation as a leading producer of high-quality ginger in the country. In recent years, the state has demonstrated remarkable progress in both cultivation and output, supported by farmer-centric policies, processing innovation, and expanding market demand.
A Major Boost for Farmers and the State’s Agri-Economy
The recognition by NITI Aayog is seen as a significant achievement for thousands of ginger farmers across the state. Government data shows that over 3.38 crore kilograms of ginger were procured this year alone, marking one of the highest procurement volumes recorded in Mizoram’s agricultural sector. In addition, the entire support price amounting to ₹137.72 crore has been fully disbursed to farmers, ensuring timely financial assistance and strengthening rural livelihoods.
Officials noted that the robust procurement process, along with transparent disbursal mechanisms, has encouraged more farmers to expand ginger cultivation. This has helped Mizoram gain prominence at a national level, positioning the state as a long-term contributor to India’s spice economy.
High-Quality Ginger and Rising Global Demand
Mizoram’s agro-climatic conditions—characterised by rich soil, high rainfall, and favourable temperature variations—have made it an ideal region for producing premium-quality ginger. Over the past decade, Mizoram-grown ginger has been increasingly recognised for its strong aroma, high oleoresin content, and suitability for value-added processing.
The rising global demand for sliced-dry ginger has further driven interest from exporters and processing companies. Markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East have shown increasing interest in ginger sourced from northeastern India due to its purity, flavour profile, and minimal chemical use in farming.
Indigenous Technologies to Be Promoted for Ginger Drying
To meet the expanding demand for processed ginger, the Mizoram government is promoting two indigenous technologies—Rapchung Technology and Tapchhak Technology—developed locally for ginger drying and curing. These technologies improve efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, and enable farmers to produce high-value dried ginger slices suitable for export.
The government has confirmed that both technologies will be purchased under the Handholding Scheme, ensuring wider adoption among farmer cooperatives, self-help groups, and ginger processors. The initiative is expected to create a more standardised processing system that aligns with global export requirements.
Officials believe that integrating modern technology with traditional cultivation practices will help Mizoram scale up its ginger export potential significantly. Increased use of these technologies will strengthen the state’s ginger value chain, enhance quality control, and open up new market opportunities for local growers.
Strengthening the Ginger Value Chain
In addition to processing support, the government is working on improving storage facilities, transportation networks, and market linkages. Plans are also underway to partner with private enterprises for large-scale export operations. The aim is to create a sustainable, farmer-friendly supply chain that maximises both domestic and international market access.
Experts participating in the Stakeholders’ Consultation emphasised the importance of building infrastructure for grading, packaging, and bulk transportation, all of which are essential for reducing wastage and maintaining quality consistency.
The state government is also exploring the possibility of establishing a dedicated Ginger Development Board to oversee production targets, scientific farming practices, and market strategies. Such an initiative, officials believe, would help maintain Mizoram’s leading status in the ginger sector and ensure long-term economic benefits.
A Landmark Moment for Mizoram
The formal declaration of Mizoram as the ‘Ginger Capital of India’ is being celebrated across the state as a recognition of the hard work of local farmers, agricultural workers, and researchers who have nurtured the sector over the years. The state government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening agricultural sustainability and ensuring that ginger farmers—many of whom operate in remote hill districts—receive maximum support.
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With rising global demand, innovative processing technologies, and strong government backing, Mizoram is poised to emerge as a major ginger hub not only for India but potentially for international markets in the near future.
