Mizoram has launched its first Pluck and Pay Festival, a three‑day event held in the Khawzawl district from September 23 to 25. The festival, jointly organised by the Tourism Department and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Khawzawl, aims to promote farm‑based tourism and showcase the district’s agricultural potential and natural attractions.
Visitors to Tualte and Chawngtlai can walk through selected farms and orchards, harvesting fresh produce directly from local growers. The itinerary includes three kiwi orchards, five passion‑fruit orchards and five tomato farms in Chawngtlai, and two passion‑fruit orchards, five banana plantations, five tomato farms and two bean farms in Tualte. The event also features stalls displaying agricultural produce and products made by local artisans.
Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar opened the festival at Vanhnuailiana Hall in Tualte, noting that Mizoram’s forests, natural environment and agricultural resources are key tourism assets. He praised the initiative for its environmental sustainability—organised without single‑use plastic—and encouraged both out‑of‑state visitors and local residents to explore the state’s natural and cultural attractions.
The festival highlights the economic impact of horticulture in the region, with over 200 households in Tualte producing more than 1 lakh quintals of tomatoes and earning more than Rs 14 crore, while 120 households in Chawngtlai have sold over 8,000 quintals of tomatoes for more than Rs 4 crore. Additional activities include visits to historical sites such as Pathian Tlang and Zo Hill Station, zipline adventures by the Zawlkhaw Adventure Club, traditional Mizo sports, and an evening concert featuring local artists. A Block Mela, organised by the Block Mission Management Unit, Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission, Khawzawl RD Block and NABARD, will also showcase local initiatives and commodities.
