Aizawl, May 17: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Saturday held a meeting with Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, at his official residence in Aizawl to discuss a range of issues related to food security, public distribution, and storage infrastructure in the state.
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| Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma meets Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, at his official residence in Aizawl on May 17, 2026. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The meeting, held at 2 PM, focused on strengthening Mizoram’s food supply system and addressing challenges related to the procurement, allocation, and storage of essential food grains. Senior officials from the state government and the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department were also present during the discussions.
At the outset, the Chief Minister welcomed the Union Minister to Mizoram and expressed appreciation for her visit to the state. He briefed her on the unique logistical and geographical challenges faced by Mizoram in ensuring a stable and uninterrupted supply of food grains and other essential commodities to its population.
During the meeting, Lalduhoma raised four major issues that the state government believes require urgent attention and support from the Centre. One of the key concerns related to the Open Market Sales Scheme (OMSS), under which the state sought enhanced allocation of rice. The Chief Minister pointed out that additional rice allocation under the scheme would help the state maintain food security and meet local demand more effectively.
He also requested that Mizoram be allowed to procure rice through the Bharat Rice initiative whenever procurement through the OMSS is not feasible. According to the Chief Minister, such flexibility would provide the state with an alternative mechanism to ensure the availability of rice at affordable prices.
Another major issue raised during the discussion was the need to increase Mizoram’s rice allocation under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Lalduhoma emphasized that an enhanced allocation would help address the food requirements of beneficiaries covered under the Act and strengthen the state’s public distribution system.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of improving food storage infrastructure across the state. He sought financial assistance from the Central Government under the Central Sector Scheme for “Storage & Godown” for the construction of three new godowns in Mizoram. According to state officials, additional storage facilities would help reduce logistical challenges, improve stock management, and strengthen food security, especially during emergencies or disruptions in transportation.
The proposed godowns are expected to enhance the state’s capacity to store food grains safely and efficiently while ensuring timely distribution to beneficiaries in different districts.
Responding to the issues raised, Union Minister Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya assured the Chief Minister that the concerns would be actively examined and pursued by her ministry. She acknowledged the importance of food security and storage infrastructure in a geographically challenging state like Mizoram and assured the state government of continued cooperation from the Centre.
The Union Minister also expressed her appreciation for Mizoram’s natural beauty, cleanliness, and hospitality during her visit. She commended the warm reception extended by the state government and its people.
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The meeting was attended by B. Lalchhanzova and senior officials of the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, who provided additional inputs on the issues discussed.
Officials described the meeting as constructive and significant for strengthening coordination between the state and central governments in addressing food security concerns. They expressed optimism that the proposals submitted by Mizoram would receive positive consideration, helping improve food distribution systems and storage infrastructure for the benefit of the people of the state.
The discussions reflect the state government's continued efforts to ensure food security, improve public distribution services, and build stronger infrastructure to meet the needs of Mizoram’s growing population.
