Mizoram's ginger export to B'desh hit as Bangla border sealed

Aizawl: The export of ginger produced in Mizoram is facing serious impediment after the India-Bangladesh border was sealed in the wake of India-Pakistan conflict, chief executive officer (CEO) of Starfirm Malsawmi said on Monday.

Malsawmi said Bangladesh, being the largest importer of ginger from India, stoppage of ginger trade with the trouble-torn neighbouring country made things difficult for exporters and also resulted in drastic fall in ginger prices.

She said the prices of ginger fall on a daily basis since the India-Bangladesh border was sealed. Its price fall to a low of Rs 28 per kg in Delhi mandi and as low as Rs 17 per kg in Silchar and Siliguri where Mizoram's ginger products have been mainly sold.

Mizoram economy is severely affected as a large number of farmers have been growing ginger since last year due to electoral promises of the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) during the hustings in 2023 state assembly elections pledging to provide Rs 50 per kg of ginger under market support price (MSP).

CEO of the ginger export firm said even the MSP of the state govt has been hit by the descending prices of the cash crop.