Mizoram’s iskut farmers get neither organic nor chemical fertilisers 

The Mizoram Iskut Growers’ Association was established in 1982 in Sihphir village, and it became a registered body under the Firms and Societies Registration Act in 1986. Now, we have nine branches across different towns and villages, with our headquarters still in Sihphir.  

Sihphir was famed for its bountiful harvest of iskut (chayote) and we would export 20–30 truckloads daily to Silchar in Assam. But, since the last decade, production has drastically declined. Iskut depends heavily on rainfall and dies when water is scarce in spring. Over the years, rainfall has become erratic and unpredictable; this has added to our woes. Those with access to natural springs near their gardens and to manure through livestock still have good produce. But most of us aren’t as lucky and our gardens lay barren. 

We also lack access to fertilisers that could replenish our soil with essential nutrients. The horticulture and agriculture departments used to provide it either for free or at subsidised rates, which we greatly benefitted from. But now we are entirely dependent on private dealers and agents who charge high prices, which we cannot afford.  

Further, the fertilisers don’t even reach us. The government-certified fertiliser agents source it from Silchar in Assam and send it off to Myanmar almost immediately after it reaches Mizoram.  

I understand that the demand in Myanmar is higher than in Mizoram. Even here in Sihphir, where we probably use the most fertilisers, the overall demand is very low compared to Myanmar. For the agents, stagnant stocks would mean losses; therefore, from a business point of view, it makes sense. However, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure fertilisers are available for farmers to purchase.  

Instead of addressing our immediate issues, the government has been promoting organic farming. We just know that we are supposed to adopt it, but they haven’t communicated any concrete steps or told us which specific crops they are focusing on. Although there is nothing wrong with going organic, we do not have that luxury as our crops will eventually stop bearing fruit if we rely solely on organic methods.  

Zosangliana Tochhawng is the president of the Mizoram Iskut Growers’ Association.  

As told to Malsawmdawngliani Tara, IDR Northeast Fellow 2025–26. 

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