Two Mizoram farmers get national award

After years of hard toil, it is time for the two farmers to enjoy the delicious fruits of their labour. R Liandawla (56), and Lalngaihawma Rokhum (36), both from Sihphir village near Aizawl, received the national farmers award from Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar during a national conference on November 18 in New Delhi.

The award carries a certificate, Rs 21,000 in cash and a shawl. Financed by Mizoram-owned Mizoram multipurpose cooperative society (Mulco) Ltd, both farmers have been generating huge income from cattle farming and its related cultivation of crops.

Liandawla produces 60 litres of milk daily from his 16 cows and grows Congo signal grass on half-a-bigha of land, fertilised with cow dung. He also produces approximately 840 quintals of squash a year and earns Rs 4,20,000.

He also generates an annual income of Rs 60,000 from cabbage. He also earns Rs 72,000 annually from varmi compose, produced from cow dung. Lalngaihawma produces 60 litres of milk daily from his 14 cows and cultivates two bighas of land which yields five quintals of coffee (in dried form) and earns Rs 65,000 per year.

He also generates an annual income of Rs 1,20,000 from varmi compose and huge revenue for squash and avocado.