Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, OCT 15 (NPN): The fifth edition of Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN) Bazaar commenced at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima, on Thursday, bringing together women entrepreneurs from across Nagaland under the theme, “One Nagaland, One Marketplace – Women Entrepreneurs from Every District”.
The Bazar was formally inaugurated by Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, who called for greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, value addition and market linkages to transform the state’s agricultural and entrepreneurial potential into sustainable economic growth.
Delivering his inaugural address, Yanthan said Nagaland had immense potential in agriculture, horticulture, traditional products, handicrafts, handlooms and tourism, but much of it remained underutilised. He stressed that the state needed to move beyond dependence on government employment and encourage young people to become job creators, innovators, producers and entrepreneurs.
Congratulating WENN on reaching its fifth edition, Yanthan noted that the bazaar had grown steadily in participation over the years, reaching more than 160 stalls this year, asserting that the growing participation reflected increasing entrepreneurial spirit among women and popularity of the platform.
Emphasising the importance of value addition, Yanthan noted that production alone was not enough to generate better returns for farmers and entrepreneurs, adding that processing, packaging, branding, digital marketing, and stronger market linkages were essential to increase value of local products and expand their reach.
He also observed that farmers selling raw produce earned only basic level of income, while entrepreneurs who processed, packaged, and marketed those products generated greater economic value.
He thereby called for transition from subsistence-based activities to enterprise-driven production, with a focus on quality, marketable surplus and remunerative prices. Yanthan also identified Naga king chilli, cucumber, pineapple, kiwi, persimmon, banana, ginger, turmeric, millet, tuber crops, bamboo, honey, and traditional food products as having considerable market potential beyond the state, whilst adding that state’s favourable climate, fertile soil and unique indigenous products offered opportunities for self-sufficiency and commercial expansion.
He further stressed that farmers needed market assurance and remunerative prices to increase production, and also underlined importance of proper sorting and grading, modern farming techniques and market intelligence to help producer’s secure better returns and avoid exploitation by traders.
He thereby called for a shift in the perception of farming, adding that said agriculture should be treated as an enterprise rather than merely a way of life. “Farmers need to adopt modern technology, improve product quality and produce beyond domestic consumption to generate marketable surpluses and sustainable cash income”, he said.
He later encouraged entrepreneurs to look beyond Kohima and Dimapur and explore markets in Guwahati, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and beyond India, noting that improved connectivity had created opportunities for State’s agricultural produce and processed food products to reach wider markets.
Yanthan later highlighted economic and social importance of women-led enterprises, and said that their benefits extended beyond individual businesses to families, children, and communities, and acknowledged the significant role women played throughout agricultural value chain, from land preparation and cultivation to harvesting, processing and marketing.
He said the state government was working to create an enabling environment through schemes and programmes supporting production, infrastructure, value addition, market access, finance, technology, training, and entrepreneurship. Here, he however cautioned that government support can only facilitate growth, whilst adding that entrepreneurs themselves were required to take the initiative.
He also urged youth not to wait for ideal circumstances or large amounts of capital to begin business, and advised them to start small, develop skills, continuously improve their products, and build markets.
Yanthan also encouraged WENN to expand its role beyond exhibitions and bazaars by developing platforms for mentorship, access to finance, networking and stronger links with government departments, banks, investors, e-commerce platforms and retailers.
Meanwhile, the Advisor also disclosed plans to upgrade Agri Expo facility, describing its location and available space as ideal for a larger exhibition and events complex.
He said proposals were being considered for infrastructure including international pavilion, conference halls, exhibition halls and permanent sheds to replace temporary structures.
He informed the state government was awaiting sanction from the Government of India and, if approved, work could commence next year.
Delivering her address, WENN chairwoman Temsusenla Jamir said the bazaar was more than a marketplace, representing the dreams, courage, hard work and determination of women entrepreneurs from across the State.
She said this year’s edition had brought together 168 stalls under the theme “One Nagaland, One Marketplace – Women Entrepreneurs from Every District”, reflecting WENN’s commitment to connection, inclusion, opportunity and collective growth.
Jamir also acknowledged challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including financial constraints, family responsibilities, uncertainty and fear of failure. She however commended their determination to continue building their businesses.
She thereby urged visitors to go beyond shopping by interacting with entrepreneurs, learning about their products and understanding stories behind their businesses. “Supporting local and women-owned enterprises is an investment in the aspirations and livelihoods of entrepreneurs”, she said.
Maintaining that women supporting women could create greater opportunities for all, she said WENN Bazaar 5 celebrated not only achievements of women entrepreneurs but also their collective potential for future growth.
Earlier, the inaugural programme was chaired by WENN Associate, Tasangkala Imchen, dedicatory prayer offered by coordinator, Miqlat Ministry, NBCCWD, Alole Tsühah, while short speeches were delivered by representatives from Department of Women Resources Development, and Department of Industries and Commerce, and vote of thanks offered by WENN executive secretary, Loni Khing. The WENN bazaar, scheduled from October 15 to 17, is open to visitors from 11 AM to 9 PM, and features women entrepreneurs and their products from different districts of Nagaland.