Aizawl, Oct. 10 -- Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday said the state government is exploring financial assistance and scientific interventions to strengthen areca nut cultivation, as the crop faces a serious pest infestation that has affected plantations since around 2021.

Inaugurating a training-cum-seminar on scientific arecanut cultivation and pest management, Lalduhoma said arecanut plantations covered around 67,380 hectares across Mizoram, with production estimated at 5.12 lakh quintals in 2025-26.

He expressed satisfaction that Mizoram ranked fifth among areca nut-producing states in the country and said that aspiring growers could seek assistance under the state's flagship "Bana Kaih" or Handholding scheme and the Chief M...