Kohima: More than 140 artisans gathered at Hopongkyu Memorial Hall in Kiphire on August 11 for a one-day workshop on branding and marketing. The event focused on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to bolster local entrepreneurial talent. Organizers included the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the MSME Development and Facilitation Office in Dimapur, the Department of Industries and Commerce, and the District Industries Centre in Kiphire.
Technical sessions covered product packaging, label design, export readiness, and financial literacy. Experts demonstrated how to generate QR codes and get onto e-commerce platforms. The State Programme Management Unit also led an interactive session on artificial intelligence to help creators reach new customers. Officials from SBI Kiphire attended to explain loan applications and financial aid.
Khrieketuolie Sekhose, Functional Manager at DIC Kiphire, welcomed the attendees and pushed them to seize these new opportunities. Tsachola Sangtam, who founded Hill Craft Soaps, led the packaging training. She told the group: "developing a strong product identity, adopting effective marketing techniques and using cost-efficient branding strategies suited to different stages of enterprise development" is vital. Nongshe, also a Functional Manager at DIC, explained how local makers can prepare their goods for export.
The day ended with a question-and-answer period for artisans to speak directly with government representatives. Nikhilendra, Assistant Director of MSME-DFO Dimapur, delivered the final vote of thanks. He promised that the ministry remains committed to helping these small businesses grow into sustainable ventures.
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