Mizoram Pineapple Farmers in Crisis: 4,000 Quintals Left to Rot, Rs 40 Lakh Lost
First Published: 13th January, 2025 16:40 IST
As the backbone of the local economy, their resilience depends on immediate and long-term solutions to prevent such losses in the future.
Farmers in Sialhawk village, nestled in Mizoram’s Khawzawl district, have faced a devastating financial blow in 2024 as approximately 4,000 quintals of pineapples, valued at Rs. 40 lakh, remained unsold and rotted away. Known for its extensive pineapple cultivation, the village produced around 13,000 quintals during the peak harvest season of July and August. However, despite selling 9,000 quintals, the lack of buyers for the remaining produce led to significant losses.
Sialhawk, responsible for nearly 60% of Mizoram’s pineapple output, has been a hub of pineapple farming since 2005, supporting 250 families who depend heavily on the crop for their livelihoods. The setback has highlighted the urgent need for government assistance to ensure sustainable farming practices and better access to markets.
Kawllianpuia, secretary of the Sialhawk Lakhuihthei (Pineapple) Society, disclosed that the farmers managed to earn Rs. 90 lakh from selling pineapples at Rs. 10 per kilogram. However, a substantial portion of the harvest was wasted due to limited market access and the absence of government-backed marketing support.
In past years, the farmers benefitted from government initiatives that helped connect them to buyers, preventing wastage. However, the lack of such assistance in 2024 forced farmers to find buyers independently, which proved to be an uphill battle. Some society members expressed frustration, criticising the state government for neglecting their plight.
The crisis underscores the critical need for robust government intervention to establish reliable market linkages and infrastructure to safeguard the livelihoods of Sialhawk’s pineapple farmers. As the backbone of the local economy, their resilience depends on immediate and long-term solutions to prevent such losses in the future.
Also Read: 19-Year-Old Labourer From Assam Killed in Landslide at Aizawl Construction Site
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Severe Landslides Disrupt North Sikkim: Hundreds of Tourists Stranded Amid Road Closures
25th April 2025
Live Arunachal’s IAF Corporal Tage Hailyang Killed in Pahalgam Attack, Laid to Rest with Full Honours in Ziro
25th April 2025
Live Husband Facilitates Wife’s Marriage to Her Lover
25th April 2025
Live AU Student Detained for Offensive Remarks on Pahalgam Killings; FIR Filed After Campus Outrage
25th April 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Mizoram New Site of Lost Civilisation? ASI Finds Ancient Rock Art in 4 Districts
In Tualte village of Khawzawl, archaeologists recorded mithun heads, human forms, and unique grooved lines.
19th April 2025
AMCECC Leaders Meet Political Adviser, Urge Regularisation of CSS Employees
Chief Secretary in-charge, H. Lalengmawia, was also present during the meeting.
17th April 2025
Northeast’s First Pharmacy Skill Development Centre to Come Up in Aizawl
This pioneering step is set to not only benefit Mizoram but also pave the way for similar initiatives across the Northeastern region.
17th April 2025
Mizo NGOs Request Centre to Respect Local Sentiments on Border Fencing Issue, Raises Lengpui Airport and Drugs Issue at Meet with Union Home Secretary
The NGO leaders expressed deep concern over the increasing narcotics-related issues in the state.
16th April 2025
Over 10,000 Govt Employees On 3-Day Strike in Mizoram
Employees from all departments, except for the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan are participating in the strike.
16th April 2025