Aizwal: Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday called for greater efforts to preserve indigenous craftsmanship and expand market opportunities for tribal artisans, saying traditional skills remain central to the cultural identity of the people.
Speaking at the inauguration of the week-long Zo Fair (Aadhi Bazaar) at Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall in Aizawl, the Chief Minister said the history and heritage of the people of the Northeast have been passed down for generations through traditional attire, handicrafts and indigenous craftsmanship long before they were documented in writing.
The fair is jointly organised by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Mizoram Cooperation Department. It features artisans from across the Northeast and different parts of Mizoram displaying handwoven textiles, handicrafts, bamboo products, forest produce and traditional food items.
Lalduhoma said every product exhibited at the fair represents generations of inherited knowledge, craftsmanship and cultural traditions. While technological advancements have enabled large-scale manufacturing, he noted that handcrafted products continue to require exceptional skill, patience and manual effort.
Urging artisans to value and preserve their traditional expertise, he said indigenous crafts should not be neglected or undervalued, particularly at a time when demand for such products is growing beyond the region. According to him, these crafts are not only sources of livelihood but also living symbols of the history, identity and cultural legacy of tribal communities.
The Chief Minister also appreciated the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, TRIFED and the departments involved for promoting tribal and forest-based products. Welcoming participants from outside the state, he encouraged them to explore Mizoram’s culture and hospitality during their visit.
Rural Development and Administration Minister Lalnilawma, who also attended the event, said the cooperative movement has played a transformative role in economies around the world and expressed hope that Mizoram could achieve similar progress through strengthened cooperative initiatives.
Highlighting the commercial potential of local products, he referred to the recently held Horti Fair at Lammual in Aizawl, where sales worth nearly Rs. 20 lakh were recorded in a single day.
He said the vision of Viksit Mizoram 2047 can be realised only if every village becomes economically self-reliant, adding that the government has already begun working towards that objective.
TRIFED Regional Manager (North East) P.S. Thuingaleng said Mizoram‘s Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) are among the best-performing in the Northeast. He, however, stressed the importance of improving product packaging to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of tribal products.
The Zo Fair features 25 stalls, including 13 from different Northeastern states and 12 from Mizoram. Two stalls showcase traditional tribal cuisine, while the remaining stalls display handicrafts, textiles, bamboo products, processed food items, and other natural produce.
According to the organisers, the fair aims to provide a direct marketing platform where producers can interact with buyers without intermediaries, ensuring better returns for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs.