March 3, 2026, Aizawl: At 7:00 AM this morning, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Minister B. Lalchhanzova welcomed the arrival of a goods train carrying 25,901 quintals of rice in 42 wagons at Sairang Rail Station. Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena, in his capacity as the Chairman of the State Consultative Committee of FCI, also attended the brief reception programme organized by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) Divisional Office.
Speaking at the event, Supply Minister B. Lalchhanzova described the arrival of rice via train at Sairang Rail Station as a memorable milestone for the people of Mizoram. He noted that this development offers significant reassurance regarding food security as the monsoon season approaches. The Minister highlighted that Mizoram's monthly rice requirement stands at 97,000 quintals. Of this, 55,000 quintals are received from the FCI, with 41,000 quintals provided free of cost. The remaining balance is procured through the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS-Domestic) at ₹830 per quintal, with efforts currently underway to source better quality rice. He explained that rice stocks destined for FCI Godowns in Aizawl, Lunglei, and Lawngtlai will now arrive at Sairang Rail Station, while stocks for godowns in the northern part of Mizoram will arrive at Bairabi Rail Station.
Addressing the logistics, the Supply Minister mentioned that meetings had already been held with community leaders and the YMA of Sairang Dinthar regarding the arrival of stocks. He noted that trains might arrive on Sundays, early mornings, or at night, requiring heavy trucks to transport the rice from the station to the FCI Godown in Sairang Dinthar.
He expressed his gratitude to the Aizawl Deputy Commissioner and SP (Traffic) for their assistance in managing these logistics, and thanked FCI Divisional Manager Bankim Phonglo, his staff, and FCS&CA officials for their efforts.
The Minister was accompanied at the programme by FCS&CA Secretary Teresy Vanlalhruaii, Additional Director C. Zadailova, and other officials from the FCI Divisional office.