Mizoram Governor Graces Cooperative Conclave 2025

Aizawl, Nov 2025: Mizoram Governor, General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), today graced and formally inaugurated the Cooperative Conclave 2025, organised by the NABARD Mizoram Regional Office under the theme ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World’ in celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The event was held at the Conference Hall of Hotel Regency, Aizawl.

Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, in his inaugural address, praised the vital role played by cooperatives in promoting community empowerment and socio-economic development. He noted that the Mizo society has always upheld a strong spirit of collective work and mutual support, adding that there is no reason why cooperatives should not thrive in Mizoram. “With proper resources, guidance, monitoring, and a little hard work, we can build a strong and successful cooperative movement in the state,” he remarked. He reminded the audience that India has the world’s largest cooperative network, consisting of over 8.4 lakh registered cooperative societies and nearly 29 crore members. “By providing firm support to MPACS, FPOs, and SHGs, and by developing efficient supply chains and market linkages, Mizoram can emerge as a leader across multiple sectors,” he emphasised.

The Governor also urged stakeholders to move beyond the direct sale of fresh produce and place greater focus on value addition and processing. He called for enhanced production, branding, and marketing of organic and innovative products. Referring to the revitalisation of Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) since February 2023, he expressed satisfaction that the PACS computerisation scheme has been successfully implemented even in remote and challenging areas. He further expressed confidence that all 216 targeted MPACS would be fully operational before the deadline of 31 March, 2026. He further highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and commitment within cooperative institutions, and encouraged the inclusion of more women and youth in their activities. Emphasising environmentally sustainable practices, he urged everyone present to work collectively to improve the livelihoods of farmers, especially those from economically weaker sections, through the effective implementation of the cooperative movement.

Pu Udit Prakash Rai, Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, Government of Mizoram, informed that the drafting of a comprehensive State Cooperative Policy is in its final stages and will be notified very soon. He said the policy will give MPACS the Right of First Refusal in certain activities and will also extend support to federations such as MULCO, PIGFED, POULTRYFED and ZOFISHFED. He highlighted the rapid progress in digitisation under the new framework of the Ministry of Cooperation, noting that 24 PACS have already been brought online and the remaining are targeted to be fully computerised by 2027.

Pi Pankaja Borah, General Manager & Officer-in-Charge, NABARD Mizoram Regional Office, delivered the welcome address. Special remarks were also made by Pu T. Lhungdim, General Manager & OIC, Reserve Bank of India Aizawl Office and Pu Mayur Bora, Author, Social Commentator and former development banker. During the programme, the Governor released an awareness video on MPACS produced by NABARD and presented citations in appreciation of exemplary performance to Khanpui MPACS Ltd., Luangmual MPACS, Champhai LAMPS and Champhai Town MPACS Ltd. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Pu John L.T. Sanga, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Mizoram.

The conclave was attended by Pi Ramdinliani, Secretary, Agriculture Department, Pi Maria C.T. Zuali, Secretary, Horticulture Department, representatives from various cooperative institutions and related organisations.