Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 12 (NPN): From traditional handloom weaving and bamboo crafts to food processing and integrated farming, women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Nagaland are gradually transforming their traditional skills and local resources into sustainable livelihood enterprises, with support from Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM).
The ongoing SARAS Mela 2026 at Dimapur District Sports Council (DDSC) Stadium has brought together several such women-led enterprises, providing them platform to showcase their products, connect with customers, and explore wider markets.
For many of the participating groups, the journey from small-scale production to organised business ventures were strengthened through NSRLM’s training, capacity-building initiatives, and exposure to state, national, and international platforms.
One such example is “Kuphu SHG” from Kuhuboto, Niuland, represented by Anitoli, whose enterprise focuses on handloom home furnishing products.
The group specialises in traditional loin loom weaving, producing customised designs without use of machines, thereby preserving indigenous weaving techniques, while adapting products to changing customer preferences.
Anitoli said participation in SARAS Mela for the fourth time had provided the SHG with valuable opportunities to expand its customer base, particularly beyond the state, and credited NSRLM for helping gain exposure and participate in various state, national, and international events.
She also said that the growing demand for their customised handloom products had helped the enterprise expand, with more than 20 people now employed under the initiative.
Another stall highlighting the impact of collective enterprise was “Alpha Integrated Farming Cluster” from Dhansiripar, Chümoukedima. The cluster brings together 50 women SHGs from Doyapur, Bade, and Amaluma, comprising a total of 478 members.
Its activities extend beyond a single agricultural product, covering vermin-wash, vermin-compost, and layer eggs, alongside fishery, poultry, nursery, and beekeeping.
Interacting with some of the SHG members, they informed that the cluster received training in packaging and vermin-compost production through NSRLM, helping members improve their production processes and develop marketable products.
They further added that the initiative had enabled the SHGs to pool their resources, skills and efforts into a collective livelihood venture, adding that the cluster has gradually developed the capacity to manage its activities independently.
The members also affirmed that the initiative had helped generate income and strengthen their economic independence, reducing their dependence on continued departmental assistance.
Similarly, “Merangjem SHG”, which deals in variety of traditional goods and products, has benefited from NSRLM’s packaging training. The group primarily produces pickles and dehydrated fruits, among other traditional food products.
The SHG members said the training had helped them improve the presentation and packaging of their products, which subsequently contributed to increased sales.
They also noted that better packaging had made their products more appealing to customers, enabling them to market traditional food items more effectively.
Meanwhile, NSRLM members present at the mela informed this reporter that NSRLM was also planning to launch a dedicated website titled “Women Folk” to promote products made by SHG members through online marketing.
It was also learned that Day 2 of the Mela witnessed hands on training workshop on Mushroom cultivation by Konger Agritech, workshop on “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development” by Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland, and “Financial Inclusion-Banking & Financial Services Day”, by IDBI Bank.