Mizoram passes liquor prohibition amendment bill

Aizawl, Apr 4: The state Assembly has unanimously passed the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition (Amendment) Bill-2007, bringing hope to hundreds of grape growers in the state.

''The bill aims at commercialisation of our home-grown grapes and guava in larger scale,''Excise&Narcotic minister Lalzama, who tabled the bill in the House yesterday, said here today.

The Act came as an obstacle to grape farmers since wine made from the fruits fell under the prohibition act.

However, even with the Act, wine is being produced from grapes in unhygienic methods which is why the amendment bill was needed, the minister added.

Mr Lalzama also clarified that the bill would be strictly enforced to ensure that the wine made from grapes and guava does not contain alcohol higher than the permissible percentage.

Hnahlan and Champhai are the areas where grapes are grown in about 1300 hectares, while guavas are grown in diverse areas across the state.

Hnahlan's grapes are of Bangalore Blue variety, which according to experts, are the best for making wine. Since eastern parts of Mizoram have the perfect climate for grapes, there is a hope that the state could earn huge revenue from grape wine.

Following mounting pressure from all corners, the Zoramthanga government finally came out with the amendment bill after consulting NGOs and the churches who were motivators of the liquor ban Act.

The amendment bill was discussed by five legislators, all in support of it, before it was finally passed.

UNI