Guwahati: The Mizoram government has sought the Centre’s support for establishing large-scale ginger and bamboo processing units and strengthening industrial infrastructure to unlock the state’s economic potential.
The request was made by Mizoram‘s Commerce and Industries Minister, F. Rodingliana, during the Board of Trade meeting held in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada.
According to an official statement, Rodingliana urged the Centre to facilitate the setting up of modern ginger processing facilities and improve marketing infrastructure for the state’s flagship crop. Highlighting Mizoram’s high ginger production, he said the state has the potential to emerge as the “Ginger Capital of India” with adequate value-addition and market support.
The minister also appealed for central assistance in promoting the utilisation of Mizoram’s rich bamboo resources by expanding their use in the textile and paper industries through dedicated processing facilities.
Drawing attention to the strategic importance of connectivity, Rodingliana informed the meeting that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) is nearing completion. He urged the Centre to prepare a roadmap that would enable Mizoram to fully leverage the project to expand trade with other Indian states and neighbouring countries.
He further requested the establishment of a Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO) in Mizoram, noting that entrepreneurs in the state currently have to depend on the office in Agartala for MSME-related services.
Commerce and Industries Secretary Dr. H. Lianzela accompanied the minister at the Board of Trade meeting.