Illicit import of areca nuts from Myanmar, farmers in Mizoram facing severe challenges: CM

AIZAWL: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said on Friday that due to the illegal import of ‘areca nut’ (betel nut) from Myanmar, local cultivators in the state have faced serious challenges in selling their produce at competitive prices.

Addressing the training-cum-seminar on ‘Scientific Methods of Cultivation of Areca nut and Pest Management’, the Chief Minister emphasised that the government is working diligently to address these difficulties and take corrective measures.

He announced that Rs 7.43 crore has been sanctioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC) for establishing areca nut processing units at Chemphai and Zamuang.  He said that these units would ensure proper processing of areca nut, create value-added products, and facilitate marketing.

Lalduhoma also stressed the importance of proper utilisation of available resources to ensure increased productivity and economic benefits for farmers.

Mizoram government’s Land Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Department organised the training-cum-seminar as Assam Rifles and other law enforcement agencies often seizing areca nuts, also known as Burmese betel nuts, after they were illegally traded from the neighbouring Myanmar. (IANS)

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