Mizoram
a2zstartup appeals to people of Mizoram to participate in “Start-up India, Stand-up India” campaign of Mr. Modi and strengthen entrepreneurship culture in your state. Two months back Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Mudra Scheme, and till date Banks have already disbursed Rs 24,000 crore to 27 lakh small entrepreneurs under the scheme. MUDRA was established as a subsidiary of the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with an initial corpus of Rs 5,000 crore to provide capital to all banks seeking refinancing of small business loans under PMMY. PMMY loans fall into three categories — Shishu (up to Rs 50,000), Kishore (Rs 50,000-Rs 5 lakh), Tarun (Rs 5-10 lakh).
In Mizoram some public sector organizations are active to promote SME/MSMEs and investment. Here I’m sharing their information:
We welcome all SME/MSMEs (Micro Small and Medium Enterprises) and startups of Mizoram to join and showcase their potential and value. We will be happy to promote your initiatives without any cost. Contact Us – team@a2zstartup.com
ZIDCO is a public sector undertaking under the Government of Mizoram and Industrial Development Bank of India registered under Company Act, 1956. At first the name was “Mizoram Small Industries Development Corporation” then on 7th October 1985 the corporation name was changed to “Zoram Industrial Development Corporation”. The main duty of the Company is developed Industries in Mizoram. In regard to organization, the Board of Directors is the authority of the Company and the Managing Director assisted by other managerial level officers execute the works of the Company.
Zoram Industrial Development Corporation (ZIDCO)
The Mizoram KVI Board is a statutory Body by an Act of Assembly, jointly looked after by the Khadi & Village Industries Commission and Govt. of Mizoram. Khadi & Village Industries Commission provides all the funds Loan and various Promotional activities. All the Establishment fund is met by the State Government. The Mizoram KVI Board is not a Profit making body, but a promotional body. It is constituted to promote Khadi & Village Industries following the Gandhian principle to uplift village artisans and give employment at their door step.
Mizoram Khadi and Village Industry Board (MKVIB)
Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation Ltd. (MIFCO) was registered under the Companies Act, 1956 on the 19th December, 1989. The concept of a Food and Allied Industries Corporation emerged from the aspiration of the Government of Mizoram to harness the limited resources endowment of the State, and nurture its potential for the welfare and well-being of its people. Agro and allied food industries thus require priority due to their advantage over other sectors of industries as they provide high potential for employment generation per unit of investment, the backward and forward linkages that the development can lead to, the level of demands and capability to absorb and promote local resouces, predominantly agricultural and horticultural produce, and the benefits they can provide for the people.
Mizoram Food and Allied Industries Corporation Limited (MIFCO)
ZENICS is a public sector undertaking under the Government of Mizoram registered underCompany Act, 1956 on 20.3.1991 with authorised Share Capital of Rs. 5 crores. The Government of Mizoram raised the Authorised Share Capital to Rs. 10 Crores on 10.8.2006. The Company has a Memorandum and Articles of Association containing 157 Articles.
Zoram Electronics Development Corporation (ZENICS)
Zoram Handloom and Handicraft Corporation Limited (ZOHANCO)
Some important aspects of Mizoram:
Overview: Mizoram is one of the seven states in the North-East of India. Mizoram shares its borders with other north-eastern states of Manipur, Tripura and Assam, and neighbouring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Industries in the state enjoy a unique location-specific advantage. Bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, Mizoram offers a gateway for engaging in international trade with Southeast Asian countries. With improving road, rail and air connectivity and the establishment of trade routes with neighbouring countries, trade facilitation has improved over the last decade. With 31 per cent (6,446 sq km) of its geographical area covered by bamboo forests, the state is one of the leading producers of bamboo in India, contributing 14 per cent to the country’s bamboo stock. It offers immense potential for commercial exploitation of the natural resources for export-oriented industries. The climatic conditions in the state provide a conducive breeding ground for commercial exploitation of all kinds of silkworms. Sericulture remains one of the state’s key industries. As of March 2015, about 7,000 families in 175 villages were engaged in sericulture across 4,300 hectares. Mizoram has abundant hydro-electric power potential (around 4,500 MW) with just 0.7 per cent harnessed through small and mini-hydel projects to date. With a literacy rate of 91.85 per cent, Mizoram offers a highly literate workforce. Knowledge of English is an added advantage for the Mizo workforce.
(Source: ibef.org)
Economic Aspects of Mizoram:
Mizoram gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2011-2012 was about ₹6991 crore (US$1.1 billion). The state’s gross state domestic product (GSDP) growth rate was nearly 10% annually over 2001-2013 period. With international borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar, it is an important port state for southeast Asian imports to India, as well as exports from India. The biggest contributors to state’s GSDP growth are Agriculture, Public Administration and Construction work. The state is developing its Kolodyne river for navigation and international trade. Mizoram’s airport is at the capital city of Aizawl. After agriculture, the major employer of its people include handloom and horticulture industries. Tourism is a growth industry. In 2008, the state had nearly 7,000 registered companies. The state government has been implementing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to encourage economic growth.
Major Industries-Mizoram:
Bamboo: Mizoram, with an area of 21,090 sq. Km. has an abundant reserve of Bamboo forest covering 12,54,400 ha, contributing to 14% of All India Bamboo Distribution. Bamboo is distributed thoroughly between 400-1520 m altitude. Melocanna baccifera (Mautak) is the major component of bamboo in Mizoram. The total bamboo yield works out to be 32,37,689 MT/Year. A total of 20 species of bamboo have been recorded in the forest of Mizoram. Out of these species, Melocanna baccifera is the predominant and occupies 95% of the bamboo-afforested land in the state. It is often distributed in tropical and subtropical riverine reserves and valleys and grows profusely in the drainage areas of the Tlawng, Tut, Teirei, Lang-kaih and Barak rivers in west Aizawl. It is a very versatile species, the culms grow to 20 metres tall and are strong and durable with slender fibres and inconspicuous nodes which renders them ideal for house building, weaving, pulping and the production of small softwood products such as incense sticks, chopsticks and toothpicks. Mizoram has two industrial estates at Zuagtui and Kolasib. Another Software Technology Park is being established in Mizoram University campus.
Website of India in Business, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India has shared relevant information about existing industry and potential investment opportunities available at Mizoram, we are sharing some important points from their website for detail information you can click here
Mizoram invites prospective private investors and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for setting up of industrial units for making bamboo chips, bamboo mat ply, toothpicks, bamboo blinds, chopsticks, incense stick (agarbatti) either in Joint Venture with Mizoram Bamboo Development Agency or other with local entrepreneurs.
Agro-Horticulture
Organic varieties: Use of fertilizer and pesticides in agriculture and horticulture fields in Mizoram is almost non-existing. As such, all agri-horticulture output of Mizoram are organic products of very high-value in national and international market. The crops mentioned below have tremendous potentials:
Fruit Crops: Fruits like Mandarin Orange, Passion Fruit, Pineapple, Hatkora, Banana and Papaya
Vegetables Crops: Tomato, Brinjal, Bean, Pea and Iskut (Chow Chow).
Spices Crops: Bird’s eye chillies, Garlic, Ginger, turmeric, Black Pepper, Cardamom and Betel vine.
Root & Tuber Crops: Potato, Sweet Potato and Colocasia.
Plantation Crops: Tung, Coffee, Coconut and Areca nut.
Potential Agro-Horti Products:
Sesame: Sesamum (Chhawhchhi) is one of the most important edible oil seeds cultivated in Mizoram. It is grown as mixed crops in Jhum land. Sesamum is usually rich in oil (50%) and protein (18-20%). A 100 gm of seed provide 592 calories. Sesamum produced in Mizoram are mainly marketed to Assam. Traders use to collect the produce from farmers and carry to nearby market i.e. at Karimganj or Silchar. A Sesamum is a short-gestation crop. The quantity of the production can be increased or decreased according to demand.
Cotton: Cotton is the most important fibre crop cultivated in Mizoram. It is sown as mixed crop in Jhum land. It is grown mainly in the Western belt of Mizoram. There is vast potential for cultivation of cotton in Mizoram. At present the utilisation of cotton in Mizoram is concentrated only for making of quilts, pillows, cushions etc as there is no cottage industry for other purposes like making threads etc. The approximate cost of cotton in Mizoram is Rs.50.00 per Kg.
Tung: Tung (Aleurites Montana) is seen all over Mizoram. It is generally grown in homestead and garden lands in a scattered manner. The tung oil is used largely in paint industry and is considered as the best of the available oils in India. At present, castor, linseed and other oils are generally used in the paint industry and Tung oil could easily replace the other oils used by the industry. Thus, there will be no difficulty in marketing tung oil. At present, there are two Tung oil extraction units near Aizawl. The oilcakes can be used as fertilizer for the fields. Tung oil is marketed at the rate of Rs.40 per kg ex-factory. Tung oil is chiefly imported from China. Given the right technology, tung oil extraction in Mizoram can be very profitable as an item of import-substitution. There is an immense scope for tung cultivation in Mizoram.
Orchids: Mizoram has a wide spectrum of orchids growing from the lower elevations to the high hills. The Orchids grown in the high hills fetch a good price in the market at Delhi and Calcutta. More than 200 varieties of Orchids have been identified in Mizoram till now. In view of the right agro-climatic conditions prevailing in Mizoram, there is an immense potential growing Orchids for large-scale commercial purposes.
Coffee: The climatic conditions of the mid-hill ranges of Mizoram with high rainfall and sufficient warmth almost throughout the year coupled with fertile, well drained, mildly acidic soil have been found to be congenial for successful cultivation of coffee. Coffee plantation can play an important role in the state of Mizoram. A very low gestation period of two years and the simple on farm processing of the produce are the favorable factors for large-scale cultivation in the state. Since coffee based cropping system promises higher economic return for the farmers on a permanent basis, the government of Mizoram has been proposed to establish coffee plantations in an area of 10,000 hectares over a period of 10 years.
Tea: The tea produced in Mizoram has a distinct touch of quality and flavor similar to teas grown in high altitudes like the Nilgiris and Darjeeling. Biate has the largest area under tea, followed by Ngopa, Khawdungsei, NE Bualpui, Pawlrang, and Thungvei.There is a scope of setting up a mini tea processing plant at Biate in collaboration with the local cooperatives.
Bird-eye chilly: Mizoram is famous for bird-eye chilly, which is a prized-item in spices market abroad. This is a short-gestation crops and the yield can be increased within a matter of a year or two.
Food processing
The agro-climatic condition of Mizoram is conducive to agricultural and horticultural crops. As such, a strong and effective food-processing sector plays a significant supportive role. The total production of fruits, vegetables and spices will be increasing year by year as the number of farmers are weaning away from jhum cultivation and are taking up diversification towards cash-crops. Food processing industry would help in diversification and commercialization of agriculture and horticulture and lead to value addition. It would result in employment generation in rural areas thereby providing income revenue and potential export prospects. Above all it would help in harnessing and exploiting local resources.
Importance of food processing unit in Mizoram:
Mizoram accounts for about 12 percent of the total output of fruits in the Northeast.
There is significant production of Orange (28,000 TPA), Banana (15,000 TPA), Pineapple (7,000 TPA), Passion fruit (4000 TPA). Besides Lemon, Papaya, Hatkora and a host of other fruits are grown in the State. Very importantly, the per hectare yields of fruit crops in Mizoram are significantly lower and with better inputs, is capable of growing by 50 percent.
Existing food processing units: The existing Food Processing units in the State of Mizoram are as follows:
Food Processing Plant, Sairang, Aizawl: This plant was commissioned in August 1994 the current actual installed capacity is reported to be 460 TPA. Mostly Pineapple is processed here.
Fruit Juice Concentrate Plant, Chhingchhip: This plant located also at Aizawl district was commissioned in May 1998.The present production is 600 TPA concentrate & 800 TPA single strength juice (both in terms of output).
Importantly, fruit juice concentrate commands an encouraging market both within and outside the country and thus the plant offers significant potential in terms of quantum and technology up gradations.
Potential for large-scale fruit processing unit:
Analyzing the potential of the state, now the primary objective is to convert fruits, vegetables and spices into value-added products that can facilitate the marketing of the produce with reasonable profit for the farmer. For this purpose, the produce is to be collected by the village level and district level co-operatives and sent to the processing unit at state level for conversion and marketing the products. In the process, the processing unit is entrusted to a reputed private enterprise having marketing facilities within and outside the country.
There are potential to produce the following kinds of products from Mizoram:
Fruit products: Juice (RTS), squash, jam, jelly, fruit toffee or fruit bar, snack fruits, juice concentrate, fruit pulp, dried fruits.
Vegetable products: Dried vegetable canned vegetable, mixed pickle, tapioca and potato chips, sago and starch.
Spice products: Spice oil, spice oleoresin.
Weaning foods for babies and natural colours from plant materials. Mizoram is an investor friendly state which invites prospective entrepreneurs and investors to come forward for setting up fruit processing plants in the state.
Mines and minerals
Potential of Mizoram minerals:
The present main mineral exploration in Mizoram is hard rock of tertiary formation, which is mainly utilized as building materials and road construction work. However, several reports (both from Geological Survey of India and State Geology & Mining Wing of Industries Department) revealed that the availability of minor mineral in difference places are as follows:
Shell Limestone: Tuirial Bank, near Sesawng, 7 Km North East of Muthi, Near Kawrtethawveng, area between Lallen and West Phaileng, near Kawnpui village, near Chawngte village, near Blue Mountain, Nisapui, Lungmuatram and Demdum area.
Colored hard sandstone/siltstone: Near N. Vanlaiphai, between Tuipang and Siatla, and other South West area of Saiha and adjoining areas.
Clay Mineral: Bank of Tut river, Bank of Tuirial, Bank of Tuirini, Chawngte lui, Phura valley, Morai and Lokicherra.
Coal Seam: North West of Kola sib, Phuaibuang, Lamzawl.
Oil and Natural Gas: 31 structures of anticlinals within the state.
Mineral water plant:
Bottled mineral water is increasingly gaining ground as a source of safe drinking water in our country. Due to lack of availability of safe drinking water from municipal sources, most of the hotels, restaurants, rest houses depend on bottled mineral water. Most tourists, whether local of foreigners, do prefer bottled mineral water as safe drink. To take care of the local demand as well as to take advantage of the phenomenal growth of demand of mineral water in India, the Government of Mizoram has been installing a mineral water plant near Aizawl by the side of Tuirial bridge on NH-54. The site is about 25 km from Aizawl on an all weather motorable road. The plant has the capacity to process and bottle 15,000 litres of water per day to cater to the internal demand of Mizoram. Main raw material i.e. water, will be tapped from Lunghret Lui about 1300 m upstream of the plant site. Water samples from both Lunghret Lui and Sakei Lui were tested. Water from both the sources was found suitable for mineral water plant, but Lunghret Lui, being nearest to site is being considered, to install intake-pumping station. Also, flow rate of Lunghret Lui has been checked during various seasons. The rate varies between 46 to 700 m3/h. Hence; Lunghret Lui is considered to be a reliable source for input water for the plant operating at 3 m3/h, conforming to 15000 liters of bottled water per day.
Export of stone metal to Bangladesh:
Mizoram possesses a large deposit of hard rock that can be utilized for building and road construction activities. Its demand in our neighboring country, Bangladesh, is known to be high.
Handloom and Handicraft
The Handicrafts industry in Mizoram is built on cane and bamboo and textile craft. Cane and bamboo are remarkable natural materials found abundantly in the state. Its popularity is due to special features such as pliability and linear strength which have been used to advantage by craftsmen in many creative ways. The original garment of the Mizos is known as puan. The Mizos have certain unique patterns and motifs that have come down through the ages.
Some popular products of Mizoram are:
Shawls, Bags, Ties, Stoles, Placemats
Information technology (IT) & IT enabled services: Being the second highest literacy rate in the country, it is believed that Mizoram can also become the most IT literate state in the country. Keeping these objectives in mind, the Government of Mizoram has ‘IT Policy of Mizoram 2001’. This IT Policy covered the vital sectors of Industry, Education, Government, Health, Tourism, Agriculture and IT for Masses. Apart from these, the Policy has also provided a number of incentives and opportunities for entrepreneurs in the state of Mizoram. To monitor the progress of the implementation of IT policy, the Government has also constituted ‘Mizoram IT Task Force’ under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary and the Secretary (IT) as Member Secretary.
Advantage of Mizoram for IT industry:
State government initiatives and willingness to provide all necessary supports for the development of IT in Mizoram.
Literacy rate of Mizoram is the second highest in the country which coupled with the climate are major encouragers for IT sector development.
Large available pool of English speaking people, with increasing interest in pursuing computer related field.
Pollution free, ideal climatic condition.
Innovative people and creative mind.
Adaptability and flexibility of the local youth.
Potential projects for the development of IT in Mizoram:
Hi-tech complex:- The Government of Mizoram is endeavor to set-up hi-tech infrastructure exclusively to house units for software development and IT enabling services. Hi-Tech Complex should be architecturally designed and equipped with the latest state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities to meet the needs of the Hi-Tech companies in Electronics, Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Finance and related Industries. The main objective is to offer a one-stop shopping solution to Hi-Tech companies for their business activities and social needs such as Recreational Facilities, Banks, Post Office, Cafeteria, etc.
North Eastern Institute of Information Technology (NEIIT)
The Government of Mizoram endeavor to create and develop a centre for excellence in IT Education known as ‘North Eastern Institute of Information Technology (NEIIT)’. The NEIIT is to be deemed University and could be established in a joint hand with Central Government and reputed Private/Multinational Companies. NEIIT should offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in IT. NEIIT should also institute research programmes leading to Ph.D. The Institute should work closely with industry leaders through their Corporate Schools and to help them in undertaking training programmes needed in the industrial and financial sectors.
Software Technology Park (STP)
The Government of Mizoram is endeavor to establish ‘Software Technology Park’ in the premises of hi-tech complex with the objective of promoting export of computer software from Mizoram .It mainly aims at the development and export of Software and Software Services through Technology assessments, market analysis, marketing segmentation, marketing support etc. This STP may be establish with a joint effort of the Government of Mizoram and Department of IT, Government of India.
IT Enabled Services (ITES)
IT enabled services is the most suitable area for Mizoram. Therefore, IT enabled services will be one of the main thrust area for socio-economic development of Mizoram State. Therefore, the government of Mizoram endeavor to established Call Centre, Medical Transcription, Website Services, and Back-office operations.
Investment Opportunities- Mizoram:
Bamboo and timber based industries: The state has vast bamboo resources that can be exploited to set up bamboo based manufacturing units. Bamboo is a major input in various industries such as agriculture, construction, handicrafts, etc. There exists huge potential of earning revenue through exports of bamboo products. The Mizoram government invites private investors and FDI for setting up industrial units for making bamboo chips, bamboo mat ply, toothpicks, bamboo blinds, chopsticks, incense sticks, either in joint venture with the Mizoram Bamboo Development Agency or with the local entrepreneurs. A separate bamboo policy has been announced for the development of bamboo sector.
Agro- horticulture sector: The climatic condition is very favorable for cultivation and growth of various kinds of fruits. The environment is also conducive for poultry, animal husbandry and mushroom cultivation. The various potential agro-horti products are sesame, Tung, cotton, orchids, coffee, tea, bird-eye chilly.
Food processing: There exists immense potential for the production of Food products like squash, jam, jelly, fruit bars, fruit pulp, dried fruit. Vegetable products like dried vegetable canned vegetable, mixed pickle, tapioca, potato chips, sago and starch and spice products like spice oils and spice oleoresin.
Mines and Minerals sector: A number of minerals like shell limestone, coloured hard sandstone, clay mineral, coal seam, oil and natural gas are available in the state. The government will give special attention to units based on indigenous and imported gems and gemstone.
Handloom and handicrafts: Modernization of this sector by induction of improved design and technology to make it an export-oriented sector is encouraged by the state. There are potentials in developing bamboo crafts and readymade garments made out of specially designed local handloom clothes, which can be exported and marketed outside India.
Tourism sector: Mizoram with its soothing climate and exquisite natural beauty resting on the undulating hills and greenery offers good scope for developing tourism Industry. There are various development avenues in tourism and related sectors such as Cultural, adventure and wildlife, eco tourism, etc, amusement parks, other leisure & entertainment units (including sports), health farms, Hotels & Lodges, travel Agencies, tour operators, and tourist transport services, convention/ seminar Centers.
Electronics and Information technology: Electronics and information technology is going to be the industry of the new millenium. The pollution free atmosphere of the state is congenial for the development of this sector. High literacy rate prevalent in the state facilitates the IT industry. A separate IT policy has been announced to encourage investment in this sector.
Advantage Mizoram- Location advantage
High literacy rate, Good connectivity, Responsive government, Good Institutional support and Favorable policy environment.
Aviation
Aizawl, the capital town of the State is air linked by Alliance Air Service everyday.Nearest airport is Lengpui, Aizawl. Aizawl is connected to Kolkata, (1 hr 45 min), Guwahati (40 min) and Imphal (30 min). There is a flight from Lengpui airport everyday.
Railways
Train link to the State has been established at Bairabi, a few kilometers away from Kolasib. Nearest railhead Silchar in Assam (184 km away).
Roads
National Highway (NH)-54 connects Aizawl with the rest of the country through Silchar. Buses and taxis are available from Silchar to Aizawl (6-8 hrs). Night services are also available. Aizawl is also accessible by road from Shillong and Guwahati.
Latest News from Mizoram:
ILO training for Mizoram ITI instructors– AIZAWL, Sept 12 – A 10-day Training of Trainers Workshop organised by International Labour Organisation (ILO) for Mizoram ITI instructors concluded here recently. The workshop is for carrying out ILO flagship programme – Start and Improve Your own Business (SIYB) in Mizoram, and is the first of its kind by ILO in the North East. Including two pioneer master trainers in India, seven master trainers gave training to 40 ITI instructors from different districts of the State. The trained ITI instructors would in turn give training to breadwinners who are engaged in poultry, pig and cow farming and also in weaving and other small industries on how to start up and improve their own business.
(Source: assamtribune.com)
The Mizoram government’s flagship farming scheme that aims to benefit over 125,000 tribal families in the state has attracted international funding and global agencies’ support. A tri-partite agreement was signed between Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the union agriculture ministry and the Mizoram government for technical co-operation for the flagship programme – the New Land Use Policy (NLUP), under this agreement, $496,000 have been received from FAO, an organisation of the United Nations. Under the NLUP, over 125,000 families would be given financial assistance and training for permanent settled farming. A memorandum of understanding was recently signed between the Mizoram government and the Tata Trust wherein the latter would contribute Rs.18 crore for promoting livelihood activities to supplement the NLUP programme. An additional Rs.2.30 crore has already been provided by Tata Trust for supportive dairy intervention programme (SDIP) in Mizoram. A major aim of NLUP is to develop and give all farmers in the state suitable, permanent and stable trades. It also aims to make all farmers self-sufficient in rice, vegetables and extend monetary help.
(Source: businessstandard.com)
Useful Links:
Official Website of Government of Mizoram
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIES- GOVERNMENT OF MIZORAM
DIRECTORATE OF TRADE AND COMMERCE- GOVERNMENT OF MIZORAM
Official Website of Taxation Department, Mizoram
IT Policy –Government of Mizoram
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY-GOVERNMENT OF MIZORAM
Department of Tourism – Govt. of Mizoram
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, North East India