Aizawl, Dec. 8 -- Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday said the sharp rise in prices of locally grown betel nuts this season is a direct outcome of the state government's campaign against the smuggling of dry areca nuts from Myanmar.
Speaking at the Kuhva Kut (betel nut festival) jointly organised by betel-nut growers and the Land Resources, Soil & Water Conservation Department at Rengdil Sports Centre under Hachhek constituency, the Chief Minister congratulated farmers for securing "one of the best rates in recent years".
He said farmers are now "reaping the fruits of our collective struggle", noting that the government "fought hard" to protect their interests.
Lalduhoma said that controlling the inflow of smuggled dry areca nuts had been...