Aizawl: Mizoram achieved a significant milestone in its industrial and cooperative sectors on Friday with the commissioning of the Northeast’s first fish canning unit at Zawlnuam in Mamit district.
The facility, established by the Zawlnuam Fishery Cooperative Society, is expected to boost value addition in the state’s fisheries sector and reduce reliance on the sale of raw fish by promoting processed products with longer shelf life.
The unit was inaugurated by PC Vanlalruata, who termed the launch a landmark development for Mizoram’s cooperative movement. He said the project reflected the collective efforts of cooperative members and the state’s Cooperation Department, and expressed optimism that it would enhance fish production, improve post-harvest management and expand market access for local producers.
Vanlalruata emphasised the importance of maintaining strict quality standards in the canning process, noting that processed food items require high levels of hygiene, safety and consistency. He urged those managing the unit to prioritise consumer trust while handling and packaging food products.
Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS) Lalthangfala said the project was implemented under the Integrated Cooperative Development Project with financial assistance from the central government. The Cooperation Department received Rs 65 lakh in July 2024 for setting up the facility.
Of the total allocation, approximately Rs 40 lakh was spent on procuring machinery, while the remaining Rs 25 lakh was used for the construction of the building housing the unit, he said.
The facility has the capacity to process 50 kilograms of fish per batch, producing around 120 cans within two hours. Initially, the products will cater to local markets, with the potential for expansion based on demand and supply.
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Located in Zawlnuam, the unit is expected to create new opportunities for fish farmers by enabling them to diversify into processed products rather than relying solely on fresh fish sales.
Officials believe the initiative could serve as a model for similar cooperative-led ventures across Mizoram in the future.
