January 13, 2025 | NORTHEAST |
Farmers in Sialhawk, Mizoram, faced significant losses in 2024 as 4,000 quintals of pineapples, worth Rs. 40 lakh, went unsold and rotted. Despite producing 13,000 quintals during peak season and earning Rs. 90 lakh from selling 9,000 quintals, limited market access and lack of government support led to wastage.
Sialhawk, producing 60% of Mizoram’s pineapples and supporting 250 families, heavily relies on pineapple farming for livelihoods. In previous years, government initiatives connected farmers to buyers, reducing wastage. However, in 2024, the absence of such assistance left farmers struggling to independently find buyers, causing frustration and financial distress.
The crisis highlights the urgent need for robust government intervention, including reliable market linkages, marketing support, and infrastructure improvements, to protect farmers' livelihoods and ensure sustainable farming practices in the future.
