Agriculture is the main profession of the Mizos. The main pattern of agriculture followed in Mizoram, is jhum or shifting cultivation. They slash down the jungle, burn the trunks and leaves and cultivate the land. All their other activities revolve around the jhum operations and their festivals are all connected with such agriculture operations. The government is now taking steps to do away with this pattern of agriculture, which is very harmful. They have now introduced a new system of contour farming, with trenches and hedging, with the intention of switching over to permanent cultivation on hill slopes. Mizoram is famous for the fibreless ginger grown in this area. Paddy, maize, mustard, sugarcane, sesame and potatoes are the other prominent crops grown in this area. Concerted efforts have been made to accelerate the growth of industries in Mizoram.

Agriculture and allied activities contribute 29% to the NSDP of the state. Nearly 60% of the population is engaged in agriculture in this state. Following table shows the area and production of important crops.

Table: Area and production of important crops.