Trade and Commerce Department Profile

       GOVERNMENT OF MIZORAM

  TRADE &COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

1.       TRADE & COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

Introduction :

The Trade & Commerce Department was created in 1987. As per GAD amended Notification 2007, the Government of Mizoram (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1987 and (Allocation of Business) Rules 1987 has assigned the following responsibilities on Trade & Commerce Department.

1)         Promotion and Regulation of Trade & Commerce  subject to provision of entry 33 list in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.

2)         Trading by Non-Tribal (Regulation) Act, 1974 and Rules thereunder.

3)         Border Trades.

4)         Agriculture Marketing including Sericulture Product.

5)         Regulated Markets.

6)         Establishment of Market Yards and Trade Centres.

7)         Inter-State Trade.

8)         (a) Market Regulation

(b) Market Rules

9)         Development of Border Trade Centres under ASIDE Scheme.

10)      State Level Export Promotion Committee (SLEPC) for clearance of all Projects under ASIDE Scheme.

11)      Collection of Toll Taxes on Indo-Myanmar Bridge over the Tiau River.

12)      Bamboo Development Agency as fund canalizing agency for ASIDE Scheme.

13)      The Competition Act, 2002.

2.          ORGANISATIONAL SET UP

The Department is manned by the following Officers and Staff :-

(a)       Secretariat

Sl. No.    Name of Post             Nos. of Post

(b)        Directorate

Sl. No.       Name of Post                           Sanctioned              Filled           Vacant

(c)       District Offices

With the gradual expansion of the Directorate, the Department have now established District Offices in these Districts viz. (1) Lunglei (2) Champhai and (3) Kolasib. These District offices are headed by District Marketing Officer (DMO) with a barest minimum of supporting staff. The main function of these District Offices is administrative and management of all markets managed by the Department under their respective jurisdiction. Apart from this task, collection of stall rents and other revenues are the responsibilities of these District Offices. Further to the above functions, District Offices whose jurisdiction touches the international boundary with Myanmar and Bangladesh are involved in the promotion of traditional cross border trade and with the setting-up of infrastructure of LCS and ICP within these respective District.

The administrative set-up of District Offices are as follows :-

Since its inception of the Department, the followings were successive Directors of Trade & Commerce Department :-

                   19.    J.Hmingthanmawia                                        IAS

DEPARTMENTAL LAND

The Department of Trade & Commerce looks after a certain number of markets the sites of which are alloted to the  Department on land lease basis. Land Lease passes issued are as follows :-

Sl. No          Location

1.             Kolasib Bazar tlak lam leh Catholic Compound leh Pu Thangkima huan inkar ram

2.             Thakthing Bazar/Mission Veng

3.             Hnahthial Bazar

4.             Khatla Meat Bazar

5.             Thingsat leh Tipaimukh road BRTF kawnghnuai

6.             Bawngkawn Bazar

7.             Sairang Police Area, Sairang main road inkar

8.             Bilkhawthlir Market

9.             Borai Market

10.          Champhai Rahsi Veng

11.          Market at Thingdawl

12.         Saitual Market

13.         Vaivakawn Market

14.         Market site at Kawnpui

15.         Market at Sairang

16.         Market at Durtlang

17.         Market at Ramhlun

18.         Market at Marpara

19.        Bazar at New Market, Aizawl

20.        Meipek kawr chhim lam kawngpui thlang

21.        Champhai Kahrawt Bazar

22.       Pangzawl Market

23.       Sobji Bazar, Lunglei

24.       Market at Khumtung

25.       Butcher Shed at Kikawn, Lunglei (Bazar Veng)

26.       Sobji Bazar Market at Lunglei (Hrangchalkawn)

27.       Market at Hminlokawn, Theiriat (Lunglei)

28.       Market Shed at Kikawn, Lunglei

29.       Market at Buhchangphai

30.      Wholesale Market at New Champhai

31.       Market Shed at Rabung

32.       Ngaizel Market

33.       Market at Vairengte

34.       Theiriat kawn, Lunglei

35.       L.M. Point, Dawrkawn High Court panna kawngpui kam

36.       Salem Veng Vegetable & Meat Market, Salem Veng

37.       Hortoki Veng chhak

38.       Hnahthial Electric Veng Market, Hnahthial

39.       Kanhmun Transport Deptt. ram sir kawngpui kam

40.       Sihphir, Neihbawi

41.       Zemabawk ram, Lunglei road an Lalbuaia leh Lalhluna ram inkarah

42.       Thingdawl ONGC leiverhna bul

43.       Directorate of Trade & Commerce Office building

44.       Ngaizel Wholesale Market, Kulikawn

3.         The Trade & Commerce Department is giving priority to improve Marketing aspect of Agricultural produces by providing physical market infrastructure to protect the general interest of the farmers. At present there are as many as 226 markets within the states which are directly or indirectly managed by Trade & Commerce Department. These markets, not only provide places for selling agricultural produces within the state, but also provide employment to a certain number of people, particularly to women and weaker section of society.

4.        REVENUE GENERATION

The Trade & Commerce is a revenue earning Department but it cannot make big headway towards this goal as it has to manage itself within a small budget. Had the Department been given provisions for construction of big markets, more revenue shall be earned by the Department. The Department earns revenue from the following sources :-

1.          Market Fees (by auction)

               2.          Stall Rents

3.          Permit Fees

4.          Gate Passes

Auction of Market fees is done for a period of 6 months in the following markets :-

The Department has Check-gates at the following places :-

1)         Vairengte                     2)         Kanhmun

3)         Bairabi

Toll gate is being proposed at Tiau Bridge at Zokhawthar which is expected to function soon.

Stall rents have been collected from different markets which have become the main source of revenue for the

Department. We have shops and godowns on rented basis as follows :-

Total  -        474

Permits for movement of Agricultural produces beyond and into the state of Mizoram have been issued by Trade & Commerce Department as per provision of The Mizoram Agriculture Products (Prohibition of Movement)(Amendment) Order, 1999. The permit holder has to pay fees at nominal rates in accordance with the quantity of the commodities to be carried. In order to check movement of Agricultural produces without permits, checkgates were opened at - 1) Vairengte 2) Kanhmun 3) Bairabi.

Those who have no permit were charged to pay Rs. 300/- at the gates by Market Inspector/Asst. Marketing Inspector/Market Checker on duty as per provisions of the above mentioned executive order. Trade & Commerce Department thus collects revenues by way of public auction of market fees, stall rents, permit fees and gate passes. During the last two years, we collected revenues as follows :-

Year Revenues Collected Target fixed by Government

5.          DEVELOPMENT OF BORDER TRADE

Trade & Commerce Department is the only Department concerned with Border Trade. The Department has opportunity to establish Border Trade Points on the ground that it has long international border mainly with Myanmar and Bangladesh. Access to these two countries can provide access to South-East Asian Countries. At present, Border Trade is proposed at three points :-

1)         Zokhawthar (Indo-Myanmar)

2)         Kawrpuichhuah (Indo-Bangladesh)

3)         Zorinpui (Indo-Myanmar)

Directorate of Trade & Commerce, Government of Mizoram has been appointed as a Nodal Department by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India for implementation of the schemes under the Assistance to States for Developing Export Infrastructure & Allied Activities (ASIDE). All the required infrastructures at Zokhawthar LCS have been constructed with the funding received from Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India under the ASIDE

Scheme. Necessary infrastructures at LCS Zorinpui will also be constructed from the funding received from Ministry of

Commerce & Industry, Government of India under ASIDE Scheme.

1)        INDO-MYANMAR TRADE AT ZOKHAWTHAR

India and Myanmar were administered as one unit by the British. As a result, the people of the two countries maintained closely strongties as they live side by side. From time immemorial, the people of the two countries intermingled each other as they are ethnically and culturally similar, and the friendship of the two country was even more strengthened by the signing of the Treaty of Friendship in 1951. Mizoram has 404 Km long international border with Myanmar, and traditional trade has been carried on in the border. The Government of India and that of Myanmar signed an agreement called “The Border Trade Agreement, 1994” for formal establishement of Border Trade. As a result, Land Custom Station at Zokhawthar, near the bridge of the Tiau River came into existence.

With a view to promoting Indo-Myanmar Trade, the Director General of Foreign Trade, in terms of the provision constained in para 21c of Chapter IV of the Export and Import Policy, 1922 - 1997 permitted export/import of the following locally produced commodities :-

There are two units - 1)  Zokhawthar LCS

2) Melbuk Border Trade Township

1)        Zokhawthar LCS :

It is situated on the bank of the Tiau River which is the boundary line between India and Myanmar. The two countries are linked with the Tiau river. The LCS at Zokhawthar has an area of 18.40 bighas fenced with brick walls. The LCS has the following infrastructure :-

1)         LCS main building

2)        Warehouse

3)        Weighbridge

4)         4 Cottages

5)         Plant Quarantine building

6)         Toll gate-cum-office

7)         Rest House

8)         Type I Chowkidar Qtr. 2 Nos.

9)         Type III Qtr. (2 Units)

2)        Border Trade Township, Melbuk : Area : 126.95 Acres.

Melbuk is 8 Km from Zokhawthar on the road to Champhai. In the township the following infrastructure have been completed.

1)        Blacktopped road running through the township have  been completed.

2)         To  accommodate  officers  and  staff  working  in  the  LCS   Complex   the  following  quarters  have  been constructed.

a)    Type IV       -        2                  b)   Type III       -  3

 c)   Type II         -       6                   d)    Type I       -     7

3)         Construction of Water Supply to the Township has been completed.

4)         View Tower is being constructed. (R.D.)

5)         Indoor Stadium-cum-recreational Centre is being proposed.

Zokhawthar LCS is in a position to function now. Mr. Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce & Industries agreed to inaugurate. All concerned Department namely, Central Customs, Bank, Immigration (Home Deptt.), Postal Deptt., Agriculture etc. are ready to function.

Even though required export/import infrastructure are being ready, the connecting link on Myanmar site of the border is a major hindrance for increasing trade volume. The road from Zokhawthar to Kalemyo via Tiddim-Falam is a single lane kutcha road with very bad grade. Transportation of commodities in bulk quantity is not possible. Therefore, a project for improvement of Rih-Kalemyo road via Tiddim-Falam was proposed. Survey of the same was done by Border Road Organisation who had already submitted Detailed Project Report to the Ministry of External Affairs. The total cost of this road as per National Highway Single Lane specification is Rs. 711.47 crores. As soon as this proposed road is completed, Indo-Myanmar border trade will flourish normally.

2)        ICP (INTEGRATED CHECK POST) AT KAWRPUICHHUAH

Kawrpuichhuah is situated on the river bank some 7 Km down stream from Tlabung Town. A suitable plot of land measuring 224.99 bighas was acquired at Kawrpuichhuah, close to the international border, and opposite to Thekkamukh

of Bangladesh. Out of the area already acquired 9 hectares (65 bighas) of land has been leased out to Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India on 2.12.2009 and No. DPL 5 of 2010 was issued in the name of Home Secretary for setting up of Border Trade as requisitioned.

Government of India notified Kawrpuichhuah as LCS in 1994 but Cabinet Committee on Security proposed to upgrade to ICP. Out of Rs. 5 crore under critical infra Balance Scheme, Rs. 2.48 was approved by Government of India and Rs. 1.13 crore was released. The state PWD then constructed Facilitation Centre at Tlabung at the cost of Rs. 108.07 lakhs which is now completed. Rs. 4.93 lakhs was paid to TBC Engineering Private Ltd. for contour maps and layout plans for this ICP. Bangladesh Government proposed to construct Thekkamuk LCS at the site just opposite to Kawrpuichhuah. DPR amounting to Rs. 27 crore was submitted to Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. As soon as this is sanctioned, construction of ICP at Kawrpuichhuah will go in full swing.

3)       ZORINPUI LCS

Even though Act East  Policy (AEP) had been part of India’s part & parcel of Foreign Policy since early 1990s, a North East perspective emerged at the official level only in October, 2007 in a meeting of the then Foreign Minister, Shri. Pranab Mukherjee and the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States on the initiative of the Ministry of DONER.

As a part of materialising the Act East Policy, the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project was taken up. This Project will cover two-lane road from Silchar to Sittwe port in Myanmar. Lawngtlai to Indo-Myanmar Border road is under SARDP-NE and construction is going on in full swing now. RDS Projects Ltd., New Delhi is taking up construction of two-lane road at two portions 38 Km and 28 Km and the Atlanta ARSS (JV), New Delhi is taking up construction of the remaining 38 Km, the total length of which is 104 Km.

This Kaladan road from Lawngtlai and Paletwa road from Myanmar will meet at the Indo-Myanmar Border called ZORINPUI near Zochachhuah. The site was visited by a team of Officials and heads of Lawngtlai District Council headed by Trade & Commerce Minister during the first part of February, 2011.

E.M i/c Revenue, LADC has issued a Land Lease of Zorinpui with an area of 112200 Sq. Mt.

Like other Trade Centres of Zokhawthar and Kawrpuichhuah the proposed Land Custom Station of Zorinpui is touching the inhabitants of Chin State of Union of Myanmar and traditional mutual benefit trade transactions have been carried out for generations by the peoples of both Countries. As bilateral trade is carried out vigorously within the framework provided by the Government of India and the Government of Myanmar, development of border trade with the neighbouring countries would have special significance to the economic growth of the states of North-East India due to its geographical isolation from the mainland and its relative proximity to the vibrant market economy of the neighbouring South East Asean Countries.

Major items of exportable to Myanmar are Bamboo, spices like chilles, ginger, squash, passion fruit, sesame, banana, cotton yarn and all types of citrus fruits and major items from Myanmar are animals like Cattle, Pigs etc. processed meat tins like fish, cow, chicken, beef and pork, electronic goods, readymade garments, textile articles and either textile fabrics etc. Access to South-East Asean Countires will be provided by Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport on both inland and water through Aizawl to Sittwe port in Myanmar via Lawngtlai, Zorinpui, Kaletwa and Paletwa. Zorinpui will be INDIAN GATEWAY to South East Asia.

As development of Zorinpui LCS is connected with the road from this Indo-Myanmar Border up to Sittwe Port, the same need be highlighted. Zorinpui LCS to Kaletwa-Paletwa is 129 Km by road and Paletwa to Sittwe Port in Myanmar is only 158 Km by Inland Water Transport (IWT) through Kaladan river. Thus, Zorinpui ICP to Sittwe port is 287 Km.

For Inland Water Transport, the river Kaladan between Paletwa to Sittwe Port has to be improved. At the same time the port of Sittwe has to be developed. For this the Government of both India and Myanmar have left no stone unturned for completion of the work within a short time. The Government of Myanmar has provided land for setting up contractor’s camp and land for construction of Sittwe port during September, 2010. Permission for import of construction equipments and materials as well as for opening of Bank Account has been received by contractor during October, 2010. As a result, construction work at Sittwe started in December, 2010. Site Office has been opened at Sittwe in the space provided by Government of Myanmar and preparation of detailed design and working drawings by the contractor is in progress. For these two components of Port and IWT, Project cost is Rs. 342.41 crore. The date of completion is December, 2013.

There is an inland portion, construction of highway link between Paletwa IWT Terminal and Indo-Myanmar border via Kaletwa i.e. Zorinpui. It is 129 Km. Ministry of External Affairs has to finalise arrangements for this.

6.          MIZORAM AGRICULTURAL MARKETING CORPORATION (MAMCO) LIMITED

In view of the problems in the marketing of Agriculture produce, the Government of Mizoram felt it necessary to set up a corporate body. Accordingly, the Mizoram Agricultural Marketing Corporation Limited abbreviated as MAMCO Ltd. was set up on 26th February, 1993.

MAIN OBJECTS

The objectives of the company to be pursued on its incorporation are:

(1)       To undertake, assist, finance and promote the business of purchase, sale, storage, processing, export and import of   agricultural produce including the produce of horticulture, animal husbandry, piggery, fishery, forest and sericulture;

(2)       To render service of all types with or without consideration to the farmers in production and sale of agricultural produce;

(3)       To provide minimum support price for agricultural produce and also to make commercial purchases and sales;

(4)         To  promote  or  conduct  any  commercial  or  industrial  enterprise  establishment  or  company  or  concern  for agricultural produce.

The authorized share capital of the company is Rs 10,00,00,000 (Rupees ten crores) divided into 10,00,000 (ten lakhs) equity shares of Rs 100 (one hundred) each, with powers to increase or reduce the capital.

The money due against share shall be payable as under: With Application Rs 50 per share

On Allotment Rs 50 per share

As decided in its first meeting of the Board of Directors of MAMCO Ltd. held on 5.3.1993 and with the consent from the Planning Department, the Agriculture Department transferred Rs 1.5 crores in favour of Managing Director, MAMCO Ltd. during the financial year 1992-1993.

Mizoram is one of the States where the population largely depends upon agriculture for their living. However, there are certain surplus agricultural produces that can compete in the market at all levels depending upon its form or state. Agricultural produces in Mizoram are of good quality that could penetrate the market well compared with the produces of other States.

Mizoram have a tropical climate with a moderate rainfall which is suitable for cultivation of almost all agricultural crops. However, the potential of the land have not been exploited, due to large practice of primitive method of cultivation, and lack of knowledge on modern cultivation. The State Government had also taken measures and helped the farmers so as to enable them to cultivate for a better harvest to ensure that the potential are tapped to optimize the harvest. The unique feature of the crops of Mizoram is that it is all organic in nature, which is highly preferred all over the world.

Some of the surplus agricultural produces available for further marketing are enumerated under:

1.          Ginger:

Ginger is a commercial crop most cultivated in Mizoram. The average production varies from 15000 MTs to 20000

MTs seasonally. The produces are usually marketed outside the State in green form. The rate varies each season depending upon demand of the terminal markets. The highlight for ginger is that, it is organic in nature.

2.          Chilli:

Chilli is also a major commercial crop cultivated in the State. The average production season after season varies ranging from 6000 MTs to 10000 MTs. It is organic in nature and usually marketed outside the State in dry form (Sun Drying).

3.          Turmeric:

With the initiative of the State Government, turmeric cultivation has been taken in large scale in 2008. Accordingly, the production was 45000 MTs approximately during the season. The produce is marketed in green form.

Marketing  of  the  above  produces  and  necessary  queries  may  kindly  be  taken  with  the  State  designated

Corporation MAMCO Ltd. at the contacts given below:

Managing Director, MAMCO Ltd.

Phone : 91-389-2306734; 2346291; 2347603; 2347605 (O) Fax           : 91-389-2342810

email  : mamcoltd@gmail.com

ACTIVITIES

Year-wise activities of MAMCO since its inception are highlighted below. Effort has been made by MAMCO to prevent exploitation of the farmers by the outside traders.

1)         1994-95:       Through the agencies appointed by MAMCO Ltd. Viz (i) Co-operation Department and (ii) Association of Mizoram Economics Forum, 424.34 MT of chillies were procured at a remunerative price and sold at Rs 25 per Kg to outside traders.

2)        1995-96:       In this season, 101.35 MT of chillies were procured by MAMCO from various farmers of Mizoram.

3)        1996-97:        The Corporation procured and sold 247.98 MT of ginger produced within Mizoram to outside the state.

4)        1997-98:        During this season, MAMCO Ltd. procured and sold 2346.18 MT of ginger outside the state of

Mizoram.

5)         1998-99:        In this year, MAMCO Ltd was not directly involved in marketing of ginger, but arranged negotiation between Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) and Mizoram Widow Association in marketing of ginger. As such, the corporation did not maintain record of quantity of ginger.

6)         1999-2000:    MAMCO Ltd successfully marketed 7263.70 MT of ginger produced in Mizoram to the neighbouring state at a remunerative rate ranging from Rs 14 to Rs 18 per Kg through appointed buyers. With this, the farmers earned not less than Rs 9 crores without bothering Government exchequer.

7)        2000-2001:    During this season, MAMCO Ltd sold the following commodities with remunerative prices through

appointed buyers.

(i)         Ginger – 4726.40 MT @ Rs 14 - 18 per Kg. (ii) Chilies – 178. 98 MT @ Rs 45 - 50 per Kg. (iii)                Sesame – 142.11 MT@ Rs  18 -22 per Kg. (iv)              Cotton – 4.67 MT@ Rs 14 - 20 per Kg.

With these sales, it was estimated by MAMCO Ltd. that the farmers earned not less than Rs 8 crores. During this season, MAMCO Ltd. procured 120.00 MT of Tung seeds from Tung growers in Mizoram and sold 24.00 MT of extracted Tung oil @ Rs 50.00 per Kg (ex-factory price) to Kolkata through Mizoram Tung Processing and Marketing Society (MITPAMS).

8)         2001-2002:   During 2001-2002, MAMCO started processing of 300.00 Mt of Tung seeds through MITPAMS and extracted about 25.00 Mt of Tung oils. However, these Tung oils could not be sold away at a remunerative price due to exploitation of Chinese Tung Oil which was much cheaper comparing to Mizoram Tung oil. Hence, MAMCO was not successful and unable to go ahead for marketing of Tung oil as there were no facilities for Transport/ Price Support subsidies for this Tung oil.

Marketing of ginger, chillies, sesame etc. were still going on well through appointed contractors by MAMCO   Ltd. Construction  works of Wholesale markets and Rural Primary markets under Technology Mission (MM – III) is being started.

9)         2002–2003:    Marketing of the agricultural produces going on smoothly. MAMCO entered into an Agreement with Khaibak Enterprise, Noida (U.P) and this Company procured ginger from various places of Mizoram for further despatch to Noida.

10)     2003–2004 :  The Government of Mizoram in its Notification No. B. 14011/1/92 – TC Dt. 20th October, 2004 declared Mizoram Agricultural Marketing corporation Limited (MAMCO Ltd) as the state Government Authorised Nodal Agency for marketing of ginger, chillies, sesame, cotton and turmeric.

MAMCO was therefore authorised to issue permit for movement of the aforementioned produces to be carried beyond the state of Mizoram. Rate of permit fees was also fixed by the Government as under:

TABLE I

RATE OF PERMIT FEES

Sl.No.   Name of Commodity             Approved Rate of Fees

1.                      Ginger

2.                      Chillies

3.                      Sesame

4.                      Turmeric

5.                      Squash

6.                      Orange

7.                      Hatkora

8.                      Tung

11)      2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2006-2007 :       During these periods, permits were issued to whosoever wants to carry their produces beyond the State. No complaint has been received from the farmers relating to problems in selling of their produces. Check-gate was made by MAMCO Ltd.  at Vairengte, the Gateway of Mizoram and whosoever was carrying their produces beyond the state boundary has to report himself to this Gate. Construction of markets under Technology Mission (MM - III ) was going on.

12)      2007–2008 : During this season, the Government of Mizoram in consultation with MAMCO Ltd. entrusted Mizoram Agricultural Crops Growers and Marketing Society (MACGAMS) to procure fresh ginger @ Rs 6/- per Kg at Vairengte w.e.f. 4th May 2007. The MACGAMS signed an agreement with Patel Ginger Company, Siliguri and this Agreement was been witnessed by MAMCO Ltd.

13)      2008-2009  : A  Trade  Conclave  was  held  with  Bangladesh  and  Myanmar  during  June  2009.  In  this conclave,  MAMCO  singed  a  Protocol  of  Mutual  Co-operation  with  Nitol  Niloy  Group,  Dhaka,  Bangladesh  to procure ginger, turmeric and chilli.

14)      2009-2010 : In order to expand the business horizonsfor Mizoram, MAMCO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Trinity Modevetreib GmbH, Germany and Shivalik Fashion Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh. To explore potential exports of Mizoram produces and other beneficial programs, activities and avenues for enlarging the volume, diversity and range of bilateral trade in goods and services between the State of Mizoram and Germany and other European Union.

PROCESSING AND MARKETING OF TUNG OIL

Tung oil is also called ‘Wood oil’ in China and is obtained from the nuts of two species of trees botanically known as “Aleurities Fordii” and “Aleurities Montana”. At present, China stands first in the production and supply of Tung oil in foreign trade. Tung oil is mostly extracted from the kernel of former species, while Montana oil is rarely derived from the later species for mixing to the extent of about 10% with Fordii oil. Apart from China, the principal sources of supply of Tung oil are U.S.A., Argentina and Brazil. The characteristic properties which have made tung oil so valuable in modern varnish manufactures are its unique speed of drying and excellent water resistance capacity.

In India, a few plantations were started in the tea estate of Assam, West Bengal, Bihar and Coorg District of Karnataka State. However, its production is meagre compared to its domestic demand. Therefore, it is imported from China, Argentina and other countries in order to meet the demand for paints and varnishes manufacturing Industries. Tung oil is mainly used by Laminates Industry, Printing Ink Industry and Paints Industry.

In Mizoram also, Tung cultivation was first introduced in the year 1935 which was soon declined due to un- exploration of the major uses of the oil. After knowing the value of Tung oil in the world, many farmers in Mizoram started cultivation of Tung trees from 1989-1990. Moreover, the State Government of Mizoram introduced cultivation of Tung under the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) since 1990-1991 and it became a large scale plantation throughout the State. As assessed by the Rural Development Department of Government of Mizoram, there were as many as 71,20,551 Nos. of Tung Trees with an area covering 7785 Ha. Since then cultivation of tung trees get popularized and more farmers were interested in its cultivation. Some of the contributing factors for increasing Tung cultivation are:

(1)       Suitability of the climate of Mizoram

(2)       An expectation of farmers that it serves as the most viable alternative to Jhum

cultivation.

Certain problems and constraints confronting the cultivation of tung trees may be enumerated as under: (1)            Production constraints

(2)       Post harvest handling constraints

(3)       Marketing constraints

(4)       Unorganised farmers and mismanagement

(5)       Credit and Investment constraints.

In order to remove the above constraints the State Government has formed a task force comprising of various State Departments and Corporation. As per the research paper on Indian Tung Characteristics and Processing by Oil Technological Research Institute, Anantapur, India, the prospect of Tung Cultivation is quite satisfactory in Mizoram whereas many States in the country has failed. Further, the oil content and its characteristics (physio-chemical composition) are also quite satisfactory as per Analytical Report of Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI) Mysore.

MAMCO in consultation with Trade & Commerce Department has taken initiative steps for all the basic requirements for marketing of Tung oil in Mizoram. It had established close link up with the major producer of Tung oil in Mizoram namely Mizoram Tung Processing and Marketing Society (MITPAMS) and a reliable company dealing in Tung oil for more than 30 years namely J. K. Trading Company, Kolkata.

TECHNOLOGY MISSION

The Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operation has implemented Technology Mission for

Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North-East Region including Sikkim in 2000.

Under Technology Mission, there are 4 (four) Mini-Missions for the State of Mizoram as shown in table II

3.           Mini  Mission-III             For  post-harvest  MAMCO  Ltd.  (A  management,    Govt.  of  Mizoram  marketing  and

Undertaking) export

4.          Mini Mission-IV         For processing MIFCO Ltd. (A Govt. of and marketing Mizoram Undertaking) of processed products

MAMCO Ltd. has taken up the MM-III scheme and has been constructing the following markets for streamlining marketing system of agricultural produces of the farmers:

TABLE III

CONSTRUCTION OF MARKETS UNDER MM-III

Sl.No.          Year                                                             Number of Markets

                                                   Wholesale Markets         Rural Primary Markets             Remarks

1                2                                      3                                         4                                             5

Awaited except for Rural

Primary Markets.

5                2006-2007                   NA                                             3                                          1 Market is completed and the other 2 are              Under Construction

6                2007-2008                   NA                                            NA                                            NA

7                2008-2009                   NA                                            NA                                             NA

8                2009-2010                   0                                                 9                                            Under Construction

9                2010-2011                   NA                                              4                                             Proposals submitted and

Approval is awaited.

Total       :               15127

Funds received for construction of these markets since 2001-2002 amounted to Rs 935 lakhs ie. Rs 425 lakhs for

Wholesale Markets and Rs 510 lakhs for Rural Primary Markets.

It is learnt from farmers that this MM-III Scheme is very useful for the villages where markets have been constructed because the farmers need not to sit under the hot sun or under the rain or on the road side to sell their produces.

CONSTRUCTION OF JNV

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, under the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India engaged MAMCO as its Construction Agency for the construction of JNV at Champhai District and Mamit District. JNV Champhai District has been constructed at Khawzawl. Administrative approval and expenditure sanction was accorded for a sum of Rs 1179.66 lakhs towards construction of JNV, Champhai District on 5th June, 2007. Accordingly, the construction work has been started from the year 2007 and is now on the stage of 80% completion.

JNV, Mamit District is located at Mamit and administrative approval and expenditure sanction was accorded for a sum of Rs 1805.64 towards construction of JNV, Mamit District on 3rd February, 2011. the construction work for Mamit District has also been started and is at its initial stage.

.7.          GRIEVENCES REDRESSAL MECHANISM UNDER RTI

The grievences redressal mechanism of Trade & Commerce Department under RTI Act are as follows :-

Sl. No.      Name of Officer             To be designated         Office/Jurisdiction

1.           J.Hmingthanmawia    Appellate Authority            Dte. T & C Director                                          (A.A)

2.           H.D. Lalrintluanga              State Public                    Dte. T & C Jt. Director                                       Information Officer

(SPIO)

3.           B. Zoramchhana         State Assistant Public          DMO Office,

D.M.O.                           Information Officer               Lunglei

(SAPIO)

(SAPIO)

8.   CONTACT NO. OF OFFICERS UNDER TRADE & COMMERCE DEPARTMENT

SECRETARIAT

1.         Secretary                                       (0389) 2322671

2.         Jt. Secretary                                   (0389) 2300141

3.         Deputy Secretary                           (0389) 2300611

4.         Under Secretary                             (0389) 2300323

5.         Superintendent                              (0389) 2323339/2310907

DIRECTORATE

1.         Director                                                 9436354754

2.         Jt. Director                                            9436157691

3.         Superintendent                                     9612112812

4.         F.A.O.                                                   9615335088

5.         Marketing Officer                                 9436140291

6.         Marketing Officer                                 9436154928

7.         Marketing Officer                                 953837-2323331