Aizawl, Nov 14: The 72nd All India Cooperative Week was celebrated today at Vanapa Hall, Aizawl, with Chief Minister Lalduhoma gracing the event as the Chief Guest. P.C. Vanlalruata, Minister for Cooperation, attended as the Guest of Honour.
In his address, the Chief Minister noted that the cooperative spirit is deeply embedded in the Mizo way of life, reflected in the long-standing tradition of collective labour, unity, and mutual support. He highlighted that past generations of the Mizo people were recognised for their discipline, hard work, and readiness to take on challenges for the welfare of the community. With strong cooperative initiatives, he said, the people of Mizoram are capable of taking up even greater economic responsibilities.
The Chief Minister expressed appreciation for the State’s strong cooperative federations MULCO, MAHCO, and MAHFED and urged them to set realistic, forward-looking visions and move ahead with determination, ensuring that all members benefit from their progress. He noted that MULCO’s efforts to fully tap local milk production and MAHCO’s ambition to make Mizo handloom products recognised across India are significant steps towards enhancing the cooperative sector. He further added that MAHFED to strengthen its support for farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs by ensuring effective marketing of the State’s agricultural and horticultural outputs.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperative societies and MSMEs, the Chief Minister highlighted ongoing initiatives to promote local products, including prioritising them in government procurement. He informed the gathering that “The Mizoram Procurement Preference Policy for Small & Medium Enterprises 2025” was officially published in the Gazette on 25th February this year and has come into effect.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released the special Cooperative Week Souvenir. Awards were presented to three outstanding societies:
1st Prize – Khanpui MPACS
2nd Prize – Tualte MPACS
3rd Prize – Saipum MPACS
The All India Cooperative Week has been observed annually from 14–20 November since 1954 to promote and strengthen the cooperative movement. This year’s celebration carries added significance as it aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of the International Year of Cooperatives.
The inaugural programme was chaired by John LT Sanga, MCS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Mizoram. P.C. Vanlalruata, Minister for Cooperation, and Udit Prakash Rai, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, also addressed the gathering.
Mizoram currently has approximately 1,500 primary cooperative societies and 13 state-level cooperative federations/unions.
