Farmers' welfare, systematic governance reforms among biggest strengths of ZPM govt: Mizoram CM

Aizawl, Jul 17 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday asserted that farmers' welfare and systemic governance reforms were among the biggest strengths of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government. He said the state government has also introduced extensive reforms in the administrative system. "One of the key strengths of our government is its commitment to supporting and uplift farmers. Our government has introduced extensive reforms in the administrative system. Those who claim they cannot see any change in governance, simply do not wish to acknowledge them," Lalduhoma said at an event in East Lungdar village. He said the government's commitment to providing assured prices for agricultural produce “has been fulfilled”, with procurement currently covering five crops – ginger, broom grass, chilli, turmeric and broom bamboo – and plans are underway to expand the list. Lalduhoma said that “unlike” previous governments, the present dispensation is committed to prudent financial management, and does not permit unnecessary expenditure. The chief minister said that his government is also working towards promoting cluster-based farming, enabling farmers cultivating similar crops to grow those in designated areas to improve efficiency, production and marketing. Lalduhoma also said the state government is awaiting approval for the proposed Rs 250-crore Artahkawn-Zawlsei road project, a 65-km stretch in Hrangturzo constituency, under the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region. PTI CORR RBT