Squash cultivation booming in Mizoram village
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Aizawl, July 21 2014: Cultivation of Squash or Chayote, locally known as Iskut, continues to be a boon for farming community of Sihphir, a village before reaching Aizawl from Silchar.

In 2013 alone, the farmers in Sihphir cultivated huge quantity of Iskut roots in an area of land extending 251 Ha from which they earned Rs.2,61,55,332 by marketing 45,742 quintals of squash.

The Iskut fruits or squash were sold at wholesale rate between Rs.5 and Rs.6 per kg, the farmers estimated.

Acknowledging the success of Iskut cultivation in Sihphir, the state government of Mizoram has also been taking steps to further boost the earning of the villagers through the vegetable fruits.

At present, there are 208 families in Sihphir under the state government flagship programme New Land Use Policy (NLUP) who have been cultivating Iskut or squash since the 1st phase till the 4th phase now.

Besides, Horticulture Department today distributed 1625 quintals of different kinds of fertilizers worth Rs.Rs 21, 98,025 to 442 Iskut growing families in Sihphir village.

The fertilizer distributing today was graced by Deputy Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly R.Lalrinawma, who is the constituency MLA.

Addressing the short programme of fertilizer distribution held at Sihphir Kawn twin market under the aegis of Horticulture Department leaders and Mizoram Iskut Growers' Association leaders, Deputy Speaker R.Lalrinawma said that Iskut is among the very few ways through which Mizoram can earn money from outside the state.

He said that not only that the state government acknowledges the labour and success of Iskut growers but indeed proud of them.

As such, in order to boost their cultivation further, the state government will continue to take steps, he said.

Talking of dignity of labour, Deputy Speaker R.Lalrinawma said that it is not only that we need to speak of the value of manual labour, but even necessary that we influence others in admiring the manual labourers.

This is the mindset of the nation we are admiring, such that, it is the only way we may have self-sufficiency and be like others, he added.

Exhorting the cultivators to strive for self-dependence, Deputy Speaker R.Lalrinawma said that there is something to be done on the part of the ones who receive help from the government.

The task is to take steps for self-dependence and struggle to do away with assistance from the government, he said.

Continuing, he said that one who always demands help from the government hardly achieve progress and profit, and advised the Iskut growers to labour harder so as to earn more from the vegetable they are cultivating.

If they can spare at least 20% of their earning for expenses in procuring fertilizers, for tending their garden and for other maintenances, it would be of great help, he advised.

The different kinds of fertilizers distributed to Iskut growers in Sihphir today included UREA 200qtls, SSP 400qts, MOP 150qts, Neem Manures 250qts and Slaked lime 625qts.The farmers were instructed on the process of mixing the different kinds of fertilizers and the process of how to mix with cow dung manure in the distribution programme on the day.

Lalliankima, Joint Director, Horticulture Department and other officials gave the instruction.

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