Roundtable Consultation on Enabling Sustainable Livelihoods in Mizoram
Roundtable Consultation on Enabling Sustainable Livelihoods in Mizoram” was held at the ATI Auditorium, MINECO, jointly organised by the Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (BRLF), Rural Development Department, Government of Mizoram, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Mizoram University. The discussion focused on strategies to promote sustainable livelihood development and the advancement of rural communities. Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of Rural Development, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Also in attendance were Dr. K.C. Lalmalsawmzauva, Advisor to the Chief Minister (Handholding); from BRLF, Mr. Himangshu Das, Programme Officer, and Dr. Aruna Pandey, Head – Research & MEL; along with other officials and experts.
In his address, Minister Prof. Lalnilawma expressed his appreciation for organising such a meaningful event and said he was confident that it would create valuable opportunities for both the present and future generations. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the government, individuals, organisations, and communities to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. The Minister urged those involved in development planning not to view rural and grassroots workers merely as beneficiaries of government schemes but rather as partners in progress. He also highlighted the value of preserving and promoting indigenous skills and knowledge, noting that advanced education and modern technology alone cannot replace traditional wisdom. He encouraged communities to participate actively in government initiatives and maintain a committed and positive outlook.
Dr. K.C. Lalmalsawmzauva, Advisor to the Chief Minister, elaborated on the current development situation in Mizoram and various government initiatives. Mr. Kuldip Singh, CEO of BRLF, also conveyed his message, acknowledging BRLF’s ongoing efforts and future plans.
The consultation brought together stakeholders from the Government, Civil Society, financial institutions, and experts from Mizoram University and ICFAI University. Discussions covered strategies to promote sustainable rural livelihoods, market development for rural producers, and capacity-building initiatives. Participants also explored ways to strengthen the bamboo industry, noting that Mizoram holds about 14% of India’s total bamboo resources. Other topics included the potential for expanding Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), Agroecological Horticulture, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), as well as the use of GIS technology in resource management. Challenges such as water scarcity, market access, and the impacts of climate change on farming communities were also discussed.
According to available data, around 60–65% of Mizoram’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. However, productivity remains low compared to the national average. While the average crop yield in India is 2.5–3 tonnes per hectare, Mizoram records only 1.73 tonnes per hectare. Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries together contribute 27% to the State’s Gross Value Added (GVA), whereas the service sector accounts for 46%.
The Bharat Rural Livelihoods Foundation (BRLF) functions under the Ministry of Rural Development and currently operates in 11 states across India, working primarily with tribal and forest-dwelling communities to improve their participation in government-led development programmes. In May 2025, BRLF and the Rural Development Department, Government of Mizoram, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a three-year collaboration aimed at strengthening the rural livelihood sector in the State.
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