Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has pledged to strengthen cooperative societies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting their role in driving inclusive economic growth and empowering local communities. Speaking at the 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations in Aizawl, Lalduhoma emphasized that the cooperative spirit is deeply embedded in the Mizo way of life, rooted in traditions of collective labour, unity, and mutual support.
The Chief Minister announced that the Mizoram Procurement Preference Policy for Small & Medium Enterprises 2025 has already come into force, ensuring that local MSMEs receive priority in government procurement. He lauded the contributions of cooperative federations such as MULCO (Mizoram Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union), MAHCO (Mizoram Apex Handloom Cooperative Society), and MAHFED (Mizoram Apex Handloom & Handicraft Federation), urging them to set forward-looking visions and expand their reach.
🧠 Key Highlights of Lalduhoma’s Pledge
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 72nd All India Cooperative Week, Aizawl |
| Date | November 14, 2025 |
| Policy Introduced | Mizoram Procurement Preference Policy for SMEs 2025 |
| Focus Areas | Strengthening cooperatives, supporting MSMEs, promoting local products |
| Key Cooperatives Mentioned | MULCO, MAHCO, MAHFED |
| CM’s Message | Cooperative spirit is part of Mizo tradition |
📊 Cooperative Movement in Mizoram – Current Snapshot
| Cooperative Sector | Key Activities | Impact on Local Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy (MULCO) | Milk production, distribution | Enhances rural income, nutrition |
| Handloom (MAHCO) | Weaving, textile exports | Preserves cultural heritage |
| Handicrafts (MAHFED) | Bamboo, cane, artisan products | Boosts MSMEs, women empowerment |
| Agriculture Cooperatives | Collective farming, procurement | Improves food security |
🗣️ CM Lalduhoma’s Vision
- Empowering MSMEs: By prioritizing local enterprises in procurement, the government aims to boost employment and entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening Cooperatives: Cooperative societies will be supported with training, infrastructure, and financial aid.
- Promoting Local Products: Handloom, handicrafts, and dairy products will be marketed nationally and internationally.
- Community-Centric Growth: Policies will reflect the Mizo tradition of collective welfare and discipline.
📈 Why Cooperatives and MSMEs Matter for Mizoram
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Employment Generation | MSMEs provide jobs to thousands across rural and urban areas |
| Women Empowerment | Handloom and handicraft cooperatives engage women artisans |
| Rural Development | Dairy and agriculture cooperatives uplift rural households |
| Cultural Preservation | Handloom and handicrafts sustain Mizo identity |
| Inclusive Growth | Ensures benefits reach marginalized communities |
📊 Challenges Facing MSMEs and Cooperatives
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Limited Market Access | Difficulty in reaching national/global buyers |
| Infrastructure Gaps | Lack of modern facilities for production and storage |
| Financial Constraints | Limited access to credit and investment |
| Technology Adoption | Slow integration of digital tools and e-commerce |
| Competition | Pressure from larger corporations and imports |
📌 Government’s Strategic Roadmap
- Policy Support: Implementation of the Procurement Preference Policy for SMEs.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for cooperative members and MSME entrepreneurs.
- Infrastructure Development: Establishing modern production units and storage facilities.
- Digital Integration: Encouraging e-commerce platforms for handloom and handicrafts.
- Financial Inclusion: Expanding credit facilities through cooperative banks.
📌 Conclusion
Mizoram CM Lalduhoma’s pledge to strengthen cooperatives and MSMEs reflects a vision of community-driven, inclusive economic growth. By leveraging traditional cooperative values and modern policy frameworks, Mizoram aims to empower local producers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. The initiative not only strengthens the state’s economy but also preserves its cultural identity, ensuring that cooperatives and MSMEs remain the backbone of Mizoram’s development journey.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified news reports, and expert commentary. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial or policy advice.
