Mizoram has great agriculture & horticulture potential, but faces inconveniences due to lack of processing units: CM Zoramthanga

Mizoram’s chief minister, Zoramthanga on Thursday said that the state is rich in natural resources and other resources, including a compact social structure conducive to setting up big industries.

Addressing the B20 meeting at Mizoram University (MZU) at Tanhril, on the western outskirts of Aizawl, the chief minister said that the state has vast fertile land, which could feed two to three times the state population of just over a million.

Zoramthanga noted that the state has great agriculture and horticulture potential, and almost all plantations or crops, from vegetables to fruits, strive well throughout the state.

Apart from natural resources, the state also has all the pre-requisite ingredients that are conducive to setting up industries and processing units, he said.

“We have vast land, raw material, good climate, clean atmosphere, connectivity. We also have a compact society and strong NGOs, speak one language and follow almost one religion that creates an environment conducive for setting industries,” Zoramthanga said.

He urged the Center and other participating foreign countries to set up industries and make investments in various sectors.

The chief minister said that such industries or manufacturing units should be set up in the state with raw materials that are locally abundant or available.

However, he asserted that although the state has production potential, it faces inconveniences due to a lack of processing units.

Zoramthanga also said that Mizoram is rich in bamboo, and more than 50 percent of the state’s geographical area is under bamboo cover.

According to him, scientists have estimated that there are about 25 million metric tonnes of naturally grown bamboo in the state, which could be effectively used for economic growth.

“Bamboo is like a magic wand. It can be used for various economic or trade-related purposes—paper, floor, handicraft, among others,” he said.

The chief minister added that the state is rich in economic molecules, and these molecules should be activated.

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