Farmers and small entrepreneurs in India face significant challenges, including price volatility, limited access to credit, inadequate infrastructure, and the effects of climate change. Some of the challenges that many small businesses face include financial exclusion, high operating costs, competition, and outdated technology. These challenges not only affect the sustenance of these groups but also have various adversative effects on the economy contributing to food inflation, rural-urban migration, reduced economic growth, and inequality. Finding solutions to these issues is important to make the future economic structure more sustainable and inclusive.
Keeping in mind, the welfare of one and all in Mizoram, the state government has initiated a new financial aid and support scheme named ‘Bana Kaih’ that will revolutionise the livelihood of the small traders and farmers of the Mizoram. Chief Minister Lalduhoma launched the scheme during a function at Vanapa Hall in Aizawl on Thursday.
Key Support for Farmers
In his address, Chief Minister Lalduhoma emphasized the state government's commitment to empowering farmers by allocating funds for the purchase of four essential cash crops: ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli, and broomsticks. These crops will be sourced from newly-formed farmer societies in the different villages across Mizoram to ensure that farmers can easily market their crops.
The government has also provided favourable controls such as minimum prices for these crops to protect farmers from losses. The fixed rates thereof mean that if farmers are compelled to sell at rates lower than the needed support prices, the government will supplement the difference. However, those farmers who negotiate to receive higher prices will not interfere meaning that they will benefit from the price fluctuations fully.
On the same note, the government has affirmed to buy paddy (unhusked rice) from the Kolasib and Mamit districts at a directed price of Rs 30 per kg. Following this move, much-needed relief is expected to be accorded to the paddy farmers in these areas.
A Programme for Progress
The ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme aims to target the committed disciplined and hard-working people who wish to improve their standards of living. Lalduhoma states that there will be strict standards in selecting the target beneficiaries meaning that only those who will be committed in farming or business ventures will be considered. Through screening, the selection process will be handled by search committees within the implementing departments.
The scheme also offers funds in terms of lending, where the government of Mizoram in a way guarantees these loans. One of the program’s most special aspects is that it can offer up to 100% interest subsidies to borrowers who make repayments on time.
The Chief Minister urged all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to personally monitor the successful implementation of the programme in the respective constituencies so that the scheme extends to the needy.
Broad Reach and Future Impact
Agriculture Minister PC Vanlalruata mentioned that over 45,500 farmers have already signed up on the government’s portal for procuring crops. For this year, the government of Mizoram has projected that over 10. 84 lakh quintals of ginger, 77,492 quintals of turmeric, 36,774 quintals of ‘Mizo chilli’ and 1. 200,000 quintals of broomsticks showing the great change ‘Bana Kaih’ will bring to agriculture in the state.
In addition to crop procurement, the scheme aims to address the long-standing issue of limited access to institutional credit, especially microcredit, for both agriculture and small-scale industries. With its focus on nurturing entrepreneurship, skills for employment and enterprise development, ‘Bana Kaih’ promises to transform not only farmers but small business people as well.
The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 200 crore for the implementation of the scheme in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with an additional Rs 110 crore set aside for agricultural assurance in 2023-24. According to the officials, the programme would be accordingly linked with other programmes of central government for balanced growth of the economy.
A Path to Sustainable Growth
The ‘Bana Kaih’ financial assistance programme is a worthy effort to support the farmers and small business people of Mizoram. It provides them with funding and loans but most of all shields them from fluctuating prices which makes their job safer and more lucrative. After the introduction of this scheme, it could encourage other states in India to develop corresponding projects to support their farmers and small businesspersons.
Through purchasing local crops and providing interest-free loans with a grace period for repayments, ‘Bana Kaih’ not only supports agricultural development but also small-scale businesses. This can lead to employment opportunities and the betterment of the lives of many individuals.
India can take pride in such efforts as they depict the right approach to finding solutions to challenges that have been persistent in the agriculture and small business sectors. If more states follow this example, it could lead to stronger local economies and a more balanced development across the country.
