The Mizoram government is planning a big move to boost local farmers and improve farming practices. They are seeking Rs 380 crore from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to fund their new project called FOCUS 2.0. This initiative aims to help around 75,000 households across the state, mostly farmers, by making their farming more resilient and sustainable.
FOCUS 2.0 stands for Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems. It’s a follow-up to the previous FOCUS 1.0 program, which already made strides in improving agriculture. The government held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the details, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma overseeing preparations at the Planning and Programme Implementation Department.
The proposal to get Rs 380 crore from IFAD has already been approved by Mizoram’s Finance Department, and now they are waiting for approval from the Indian government. Once approved, the program will be rolled out across all 11 districts, covering 700 villages and benefiting 75,000 households. Special attention will be given to include 7,000 landless farming families, giving more people a chance to improve their livelihoods.
A key feature of FOCUS 2.0 is its focus on empowering women farmers. The scheme’s new governing body, called SCRAM (Society for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Mizoram), was officially announced in August. Mizoram’s Chief Minister is the Chairman of SCRAM, and the Planning Secretary serves as the Secretary. The program is set to run for six years, aiming for long-term change.
During the meeting, officials discussed how to implement the project smoothly. This includes updating operational plans, maintaining assets created during FOCUS 1.0, and organizing implementing agencies at different levels — from the state to villages. They also talked about hiring new project staff and ensuring strong coordination.
Many senior officials, including Agriculture Minister P.C. Vanlalruata, Land Resources Minister Lalthansanga, and others, attended the meeting. The government is determined to make FOCUS 2.0 a success and help farmers adapt to climate challenges while improving their economic conditions.
