Champhai, May 12: Secretary of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Sanjay Jaju, visited Champhai district on Tuesday to assess the progress of key development initiatives in the areas of horticulture, food processing, agriculture, and cultural preservation. The visit formed part of the Centre’s continued efforts to strengthen economic growth and infrastructure development across the Northeast region.
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| DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju receives a warm welcome during his visit to Champhai district, where he reviewed horticulture, food processing and cultural development projects in Mizoram. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
During his visit, the DoNER Secretary was accorded a warm welcome by members of the Champhai District Agricultural Marketing Committee (DAMC) and local leaders of the SCC. Senior district officials and representatives from various departments also participated in the programme.
At the outset of the visit, Champhai Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aaquib briefed Jaju on the district’s agricultural economy, with particular emphasis on ginger cultivation, marketing, and trade activities. Champhai is one of Mizoram’s major agricultural districts and plays an important role in the production and marketing of several horticultural crops, including ginger, passion fruit, and spices.
Officials informed the Secretary about ongoing efforts to strengthen market linkages, improve value addition, and enhance income opportunities for farmers. Discussions also focused on challenges faced by growers and the need for better infrastructure to support agricultural and horticultural development.
As part of the tour, Jaju visited several important projects and facilities associated with food processing and horticulture. Among the sites inspected was the Winery at Zote, which has been established to promote value-added products and support local fruit growers. He reviewed the functioning of the facility and discussed opportunities for expanding production and marketing.
The Secretary also visited the Passion Fruit Processing Unit at New Champhai, where officials explained the processing and packaging of passion fruit products. The unit is expected to play a key role in boosting the value chain for passion fruit farmers and creating additional livelihood opportunities in the district.
Another important stop was the Government Oak Tasar Seed Farm at Tlangsam, where Jaju reviewed activities related to sericulture and seed production. Officials briefed him on the farm’s contribution to the promotion of tasar silk cultivation and rural employment generation.
Apart from economic development projects, the DoNER Secretary also examined initiatives aimed at preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage. He visited the Zomi Cultural Centre and the Preservation of Zomi Historical Sites at Tlangnuam Veng, where he reviewed efforts to document, protect, and promote the historical and cultural legacy of the Zomi community.
Officials explained that preserving cultural heritage remains an important component of regional development, helping to strengthen identity, promote tourism, and educate future generations about the history and traditions of the community.
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Following the field inspections, Jaju held a review meeting with heads of various government departments in Champhai district. During the meeting, officials presented updates on ongoing projects, development priorities, and challenges requiring attention and support from the Centre.
The discussions focused on improving coordination between state and central agencies to ensure the effective implementation of development programmes and infrastructure projects.
The DoNER Secretary was accompanied during the visit by Maria CT Zuali and other officials. His visit highlighted the Centre’s continued focus on supporting agricultural growth, food processing, rural livelihoods, and cultural preservation in Mizoram.
Officials said the visit provided an opportunity to assess progress on key projects while identifying areas where additional support and investment could help accelerate development in Champhai district and the wider region.
