48/2026-2027

Aizawl, 3^rd May 2026 : The Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh arrived in Aizawl today for his maiden visit of Mizoram and was received at Lengpui Airport by Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma and Sericulture Minister Shri Lalthansanga.

During his two-day visit, the Union Minister met with Chief Minister Lalduhoma at the Lengpui Airport Lounge to discuss vital issues regarding the development of the textiles sector in Mizoram. Following this, he proceeded to Lok Bhavan, where he chaired a meeting at the Mini Conference Hall. The meeting was attended by Sericulture Minister Shri Lalthansanga, along with officials from the Sericulture Department, Cooperation Department, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Department, Eastern Zone Weavers’ Service Centre, and the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms

In his address, the Union Minister emphasised that Mizoram holds significant potential in sericulture and fibre-based industries, and stated that the introduction of small, community-level machinery is crucial for efficient fibre extraction and cocoon processing. He underlined that decentralised infrastructure would not only enhance production but also empower rural communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. The Union Minister further highlighted the importance of adopting a buy-back model for fibre extraction projects. Focusing on diversification, the Union Minister spoke about the need to promote new-age fibres such as Ramie and linen, and suggested that the Agriculture Department should initiate pilot demonstration projects to assess their viability and expand cultivation in Mizoram.

Addressing the handloom sector, the Union Minister stated that targeted interventions at the household level can significantly enhance income generation. He suggested that select families be supported with multiple looms to build successful micro-models, which could then serve as inspiration for broader community adoption. He stressed that showcasing such success stories would help in motivating others and strengthening the sector organically.

On market development, the Union Minister called for the organization of buyer-seller meets involving designers and stakeholders from across the Northeastern region. He observed that such platforms would facilitate better design integration, improve product visibility, and open up new market opportunities for local artisans.

Highlighting the importance of branding and outreach, the Union Minister also encouraged the participation of youth, particularly women from the Northeast, in promoting silk products, stating that their involvement would add value to marketing efforts and help position regional textiles on a larger platform.

The Union Ministerreiterated that a coordinated approach involving innovation, market linkage, and grassroots empowerment is essential to unlock the full potential of Mizoram’s textile and sericulture sectors and to ensure long-term socio-economic development for weavers and artisans across the state

At the meeting, Cooperation Commissioner & Secretary Shri Udit Prakash Rai and Sericulture Secretary Ms. Florence Zotluangpuii delivered a presentation titled "Mizoram’s Sericulture Potential at a Glance." They used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the current status of Mizoram’s textiles and the roadmap leading up to 2047. Agriculture Joint Director Ms. R. Lalramhluni also detailed various initiatives and future plans under the department. Additionally, officials from the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms and the Eastern Zone Weavers’ Service Centre presented their ongoing projects and future goals via PPT.

The Union Minister also visited Zozia Silk & Handloom in Tlangnuam and Lapar in Kulikawn today. Zozia, established in 1992, is a renowned silk weaving unit that has previously received the National Merit Certificate from the Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles.Lapar in Kulikawn has also made significant strides in tailoring and weaving, playing a major role in promoting traditional Mizo attire. Union Minister Giriraj Singh, accompanied by Mizoram government officials, inspected these sites and interacted with the workers.

The Union Minister was accompanied by Shri Siva Kumar, Member Secretary ,CSB- CMERTI; Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Textile Commissioner; Ministry of Textiles; Dr. Karthik Neog, Director ,CSB-CMERTI,; and Shri S. Bandyopadhyay, Director ,Eastern Zone Weavers’ Service Centre.