Guwahati: The Mizoram government has approved 11 applications for manufacturing local fruit beer under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2025, aiming to expand market opportunities for locally grown fruits and agricultural produce.
The decision was taken at a Selection Committee meeting chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at his office on Wednesday. Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar also attended the meeting.
The committee received 99 applications, including 96 seeking licences to manufacture local fruit beer and three proposals for establishing wineries.
After scrutinising the applications, interviewing applicants and conducting site inspections where feasible, the committee recommended 11 applicants for local fruit beer manufacturing licences. Another 13 applications were given additional time for further consideration.
Officials said the selection process assessed compliance with food safety requirements, the availability of suitable manufacturing equipment and the financial and human resources needed to run and maintain the facilities.
The committee also examined whether proposed units would remain viable while relying exclusively on fruits and agricultural products cultivated within Mizoram.
Lalduhoma said supporting farmers remained the government’s primary objective and stressed the importance of creating better markets and prices for their produce.
“Our first priority is the farmers. It is encouraging that we can create opportunities for them to sell their fruits and agricultural produce at better prices,” he said.
The chief minister also called on manufacturers to use modern processing technologies and maintain food safety standards, while ensuring that public health remains a key consideration.
The meeting discussed measures to assist the selected manufacturers, including training programmes, stronger connections between producers and farmers, and inter-state or inter-unit visits for sharing knowledge and best practices.
The committee, comprising officials from the Commerce and Industries, Excise and Narcotics, Horticulture, and Food and Drugs Administration departments, along with experts from Mizoram University and other specialists, also proposed a standard operating procedure (SOP) for licence holders.
It further decided to extend the application period to allow more prospective manufacturers to apply.
The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act was passed by the state Assembly on March 10, 2025, despite opposition from political parties.
The legislation permits the manufacture, sale and supply of wine and local beer made exclusively from locally produced agricultural and horticultural products, five years after the earlier prohibition regime introduced by the previous Mizo National Front government in 2019.
The amended law also provides special permits for foreign dignitaries and domestic tourists to possess and consume India-made foreign liquor. It further allows “Red Card” permits for individuals who require alcohol for medical reasons.