Nagaland Workshop on banana fibre extraction and leaf plate making held

The department of industries and commerce, in collaboration with the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (NIDC), organized a two day technology clinic on ‘banana fibre extraction and areca leaf plate making’ under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme.
The clinic was held on November 27 and 28, at the Nagaland Tools and Training Centre (NTTC), Dimapur, with technical support provided by NTTC.
The program brought together 46 entrepreneurs from Nagaland and 1 entrepreneur from Sikkim for intensive sessions themed ‘Efficiency through technology in banana fibre extraction and areca leaf plate making.’ Participants engaged in technical demonstrations, marketing guidance, and hands on training using NTTC’s in house machinery.
Avika Achumi of Avi Enterprise led sessions on areca leaf plate making and Pitoka Achumi conducted training on banana fibre extraction.
Nukuzo Phesao, founder and proprietor of Warehouse 103, emphasized the importance of research, design, and market understanding before launching businesses. He encouraged collaboration among entrepreneurs to foster collective growth.
Delivering the keynote address, special guest P. Tokugha Sema, director of industries & commerce and CEO of NTTC, underscored the transformative potential of locally available resources such as banana fibre and areca palm sheaths. He emphasized that these materials, often discarded as waste, can be converted into biodegradable textiles and eco friendly packaging with the right knowledge and technology.
Sema urged participants to seize the opportunities provided under the RAMP scheme, noting that access to advanced machinery and training is vital for MSMEs in Nagaland to remain competitive. He urged the participants to take the opportunity of learning from the experts at NTTC.
The program was coordinated by Linto Zhimomi of NTTC, with Er. Imnayanger Imchen, assistant general manager, delivering the welcome address. The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Er. John Ruokuongulie, manager, NTTC.
RAMP is a World Bank-supported scheme of the government of India aimed at improving access to markets, access to credit, and capacity building of MSMEs. In Nagaland, where MSMEs are gradually modernizing, access to advanced machinery and technology is vital for maintaining competitiveness. The Technology Clinics under RAMP bring together leading experts and technocrats to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills and technical know-how needed for enterprise upgradation.
The initiative plays a crucial role in supporting post COVID-19 recovery efforts, enabling entrepreneurs and MSMEs in Nagaland to adopt emerging technologies and modernize their businesses to remain competitive in an evolving economic landscape.