Aizawl: Mizoram’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen below the replacement level, while a sharp gender disparity in registered deaths has raised concern among demographic experts and social workers.The state’s total fertility rate (TFR) declined from 2.26 children per woman in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 to 1.87-1.9 in NFHS-5. The replacement-level fertility rate required to maintain a stable population without immigration is 2.1 children per woman.Quoting official data, Aizawl-based social worker Lalremruati said the urban TFR was lower at 1.6 children per woman, compared with 2.2 in rural Mizoram.The state’s urban population is estimated at around 55.52%, a trend experts believe is contributing to the overall decline in fertility. The sub-replacement fertility rate among Mizos, compared with communities such as the Chakmas, has prompted periodic local initiatives and state incentives to encourage larger families.The Presbyterian and Baptist churches, the two largest denominations in Mizoram, have also encouraged married couples to have more children. Some local Presbyterian churches have reportedly offered monetary prizes to couples based on the number of children they have.The high mortality rate among men is another major concern, particularly among those in the working-age group.According to the Annual Report on Registration of Births and Deaths 2025, Mizoram recorded 31,294 registered births during the year. Of these, 15,751 were male births, accounting for 50.34%, while 15,543 were female births, or 49.67%.The state recorded 10,055 registered deaths during the same period. Male deaths stood at 6,520, or 64.84%, compared with 3,535 female deaths, or 35.16%.The high number of male deaths, especially among able-bodied men, has emerged as a matter of grave concern, experts said. Social workers attributed the trend partly to drug and alcohol abuse, including the consumption of unhygienic locally made liquor despite Mizoram being a dry state.They called for an immediate study into the causes of high male mortality and its implications for Mizoram’s demographic and social future.
