298/2025-2026

Aizawl, December 8, 2025: In a landmark event graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Cooperation, Government of Mizoram, a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL) and the Mizoram State Cooperative Marketing & Consumers’ Federation Limited (MIZOFED). The signing ceremony marks a pivotal step towards integrating Mizoram’s agricultural and allied sector into the international export ecosystem through the cooperative sector. 

The MoU was signed by Pu Lalhruaituanga, Managing Director of MIZOFED, and Pu Unupom Kausik, Managing Director of NCEL, in the presence of senior officials from both National Co-operative Exports Limited (NCEL): Incorporated in 2023 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, NCEL is the premier national umbrella body for all cooperative sector exports from India. Promoted by leading institutions including GCMMF (AMUL), IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, and NCDC, NCEL is mandated to undertake end-to-end export activities—from procurement and processing to branding and marketing—for a wide range of goods produced by cooperatives across the Mizoram State Cooperative Marketing & Consumers’ Federation Limited (MIZOFED): Established in 1981 and registered under the Assam Cooperative Societies Act, 1949, MIZOFED is the apex state-level cooperative federation in Mizoram. Functioning as a key state government agency, it operates across all districts, managing POL, LPG, and essential consumer product divisions, and plays a crucial role in the public distribution system.

Key Features of the MoU: 

The three-year agreement establishes a framework for long-term collaboration with the following core objectives:

• To identify and promote export-worthy agricultural and allied commodities from Mizoram’s cooperative societies.
• To provide direct market linkages for MIZOFED-affiliated cooperatives to NCEL’s national and international network.
• To facilitate procurement and marketing of export-ready commodities by NCEL.
• To develop a sustainable and profitable value chain for Mizoram’s products.
• To jointly participate in trade fairs and support capacity building, technical guidance, and necessary certifications. 

A Gateway for Mizoram's Produce to the World: 

This partnership holds exceptional promise for flagship produce of Mizoram, such as Ginger, Turmeric, Hill Broom, and Chillies. By leveraging NCEL’s expertise and channels, these commodities are poised to find new international markets, bringing transformative benefits to the state:

• Enhanced Market Access & Premium Realization: Farmers and cooperatives will gain direct access to NCEL’s export infrastructure, enabling them to bypass intermediaries and secure better prices in global markets.
• Value Addition & Quality Upgrade: NCEL will support the development of tailored practices for production, post-harvest management, and processing, helping local products meet stringent international quality and packaging standards.
• Sustainable Livelihoods: Creating a stable export demand will ensure predictable  incomes  for  farmers,  encouraging  sustainable  cultivation practices and boosting the rural economy.
• Brand ‘Mizoram’ on Global Shelf: Structured marketing and branding efforts will help establish a distinct identity for Mizoram’s organic and high- quality spices and produce, enhancing their global appeal.
• Capacity Building & Infrastructure Development: The collaboration includes support for farmer training, awareness workshops, and resource mobilization, strengthening the entire agricultural value chain within the state. 

The signing ceremony commenced with a warm welcome address by Pu John L.T. Sanga, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Mizoram, who extended gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for gracing the occasion. He outlined the function's significance and elaborated on how the NCEL-MIZOFED synergy would unlock unprecedented opportunities for cooperative societies across Mizoram.

Following this, the Commissioner of Cooperation delivered an insightful speech, emphasizing the MoU’s critical role in shaping a prosperous future for the state’s cooperative movement by linking it with national export ambitions.

Shri Unupom Kausik, MD of NCEL, in his address, underscored the immense untapped potential of Mizoram’s agricultural sector. He reiterated NCEL’s commitment to harnessing this potential through technical support, market intelligence, and robust export linkages, thereby contributing to the state’s overall economic development.

The MoU was then formally signed by the Managing Directors of NCEL and MIZOFED amidst applause from the gathering.

The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by the Chairman of MIZOFED. The function was well-attended by senior officers from MIZOFED, the Office of the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, and the Cooperation Department, Government of Mizoram.

This partnership signifies a new dawn for Mizoram’s agrarian community, paving the way for its unique products to reach discerning consumers worldwide and fostering sustainable economic growth through cooperative enterprise.