Mizoram bamboo flower to be exhibited at Delhi fair

Aizawl, Nov 14: The Mizoram bamboo flower, which blooms only once every 48 years but brings large-scale devastation when it flowers, will be displayed at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) during November 14-28.

''Decorated and undecorated bamboo flowers will be exhibited at the IITF to be held at Pragati Maidan,'' project manager of the state Industries department Lalrodingi said here today.

The Mizoram pavillion will be decorated using bamboo ply, which is environment-friendly, she said.

Recommending bamboo ply as an ideal substitute to plywood, Ms Lalrodingi said, ''Why cut down our precious trees when bamboo can easily be rejuvenated, as compared to other trees.'' Besides exhibiting the bamboo flowers, Mizoram would also open an investment hub at the pavilion from November 14-16.

''The Mizoram government is keen to attract investors,'' a high-ranking state official said.

Meanwhile, retired analyst Chhuana said, ''As infrastructure is being developed in the state, personally, I feel that investors will not regret investing in Mizoram. Mizoram, having been torn apart by insurgency for the past twenty years, may still be lagging behind, but has the best atmosphere for investors as it is the most peaceful state in the North East.'' The state government would also provide certain special policies for investors in Mizoram, including tax holidays.

''Though the state may be lagging behind in infrastructural development, there are lots of benefits for investors in Mizoram,'' assistant director of the state Industries department Chhuanawma said.

''For investors in Mizoram, the Centre is giving 100 per cent exemption from income tax and excise duty, 30 per cent subsidy in capital investment, besides 90 per cent transport subsidy,'' he informed.

Aizawl-based development executive of Godrej Agrovet Sangtei said, ''The Godrej Agrovet has also started investing in agro-based industries, including red palm oil and Jetropha in contract farming, and are very satisfied with their investment.

''The farmers of Mizoram are also very cooperative. Our company is targetting to invest additional Rs 200 crore,'' she added.

With the Centre signing an agreement with the Myanmar government to start the Sitwee harbour project at a cost of USD 103 million, Mizoram is emerging as a trade hub in the NE region.

''Once this harbour operates, all export activities, especially jute and tea from Assam and the adjoining states, will pass through Mizoram. This is certainly going to make Mizoram the trade hub for the NE, as the state is surrounded by Myanmar in the east and Bangladesh in the west. Besides, the state will play a crucial role in the Look East policy as it will have huge scope for investors,'' a state Industries department official said.

UNI