308/2026-2027

Dated Aizawl, the 19th August, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma today chaired a meeting of the Selection Committee constituted to consider the issuance of licences for manufacturing Local Fruit Beer and setting up Wineries under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2025, at his office. Out of the 99 applications received, the Committee approved 11 applicants/firms that had undergone the required scrutiny. The meeting was attended by Excise & Narcotics Department Minister Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the welfare of farmers must remain a key priority, noting that the initiative would create better opportunities for them to market their fruits and agricultural produce at remunerative prices. He stressed that processing should be undertaken using modern technology and in strict compliance with food safety standards, with due importance given to public health.

The Selection Committee, through a PowerPoint presentation, outlined the assessment process and the criteria applied in evaluating applicants for manufacturing Local Fruit Beer and wine. The criteria included compliance with food safety guidelines, availability of adequate manufacturing equipment, capacity to operate and maintain such equipment with sufficient manpower and financial resources, and the ability to utilise locally grown fruits and agricultural produce from Mizoram.

Of the applications received, 96 were for manufacturing Local Fruit Beer and three were for establishing Wineries. The Committee conducted interviews with the applicants and carried out site inspections wherever feasible. Based on its assessment and recommendations, the meeting approved 11 applications for Local Fruit Beer manufacturing, while granting 13 other applicants additional time for further scrutiny.

The meeting also discussed the way forward and the requirements identified by the Committee. It was proposed that the selected applicants be provided with training, stronger linkages be facilitated with farmers, and opportunities for inter-visits among the selected applicants be explored to facilitate knowledge-sharing and the exchange of best practices. The Committee also recommended the formulation of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed by licence holders and decided to extend the application period for prospective applicants.

The Selection Committee comprises representatives from the Commerce & Industries Department, Excise & Narcotics Department, Horticulture Department, and Food & Drugs Administration along with representatives from Mizoram University and individual experts with specialised knowledge in the field. The CEO of the Handholding Scheme is also a member of the Committee.