Mizoram government will emphasize organic farming and keep aside the use of chemical fertilizers from farming.

This was announced by the state Agriculture Minister C Lalrinsanga on Monday.

"The Mizoram government would focus on organic farming keeping aside the use of chemical fertilizers,” he said while addressing a meeting at Mizo National Front (MNF) office in Aizawl.

Lalrinsanga further informed that Manipur government will collaborate with Central Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR) and Mizoram University to produce vegetables and other crops through organic farming.

"The MNF in its previous term had passed the Organic Act, but the Congress government headed by Lal Thanhawla failed to implement it," the minister further informed.

“We will implement the Organic Act and make massive efforts to focus on organic farming to produce healthy and cost-effective vegetables and other crops,” he said. "Organic farming is one of the top priorities of the government," he further said.

The Assam Tribune quoting Lalrinsanga further reported that the Mizoram government will also establish a biological control laboratory at Lengpui near Aizawl.

"The government is taking effort to check crop damaging pest with the help of other pests through biological control," The Assam Tribune further reported quoting the minister.

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It is worth mentioning here that Mizoram has been invaded by Fall Armyworm (FAW)- a dangerous crop-damaging pest- when the MNF stormed into power and formed the government.

Maize and several other crops were severely damaged and the farmers had to face severe loss.

"The outbreak has been contained due to collective effort made by the state government and the farmers," informed the minister.

Lalrinsanga also informed that the Mizoram government has launched crop insurance for farmers, which is one of the top priorities of the government.

"Measures would be taken to assist farmers with the help of empanelled insurance companies under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana Crop Insurance (PMFBY)," added Lalrinsanga.

"Efforts will be made to provide a pension scheme to the farmers under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maadhan Yojana (PMKMY) and Life Insurance Corporation," he added.