Kohima: One hundred twenty-six verified artisans gathered in Mon on September 9 for a workshop on branding and marketing. The Town Council Hall hosted the event under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the Nagaland Department of Industries and Commerce, and the District Industries Centre organized the session. Participants included carpenters, masons, basket makers, and barbers.
Keynote speaker and EAC Mon Shekhozo Vero urged the workers to shift toward an entrepreneurial mindset. He noted the high quality of local crafts. "I believe we will be able to find Mon artisanal products across the country in the coming years as well as in international markets," Vero stated. He emphasized that artisans must create their own demand rather than waiting for customer orders.
Sessions covered product packaging, label design, and business growth. Founder of Ipseity Bake and Co. Allen Konyak instructed the group on presentation techniques. The State Programme Management Unit introduced AI tools and e-commerce platforms to help expand sales outside the district. Sumit Kumar of India Post Payments Bank explained QR code generation, export development, and digital payment procedures.
Financial literacy training addressed household budgeting, credit scores, and cyber fraud. Assistant Manager of State Bank of India Shanpong Konyak led this discussion. Artisans raised concerns regarding bank processing fees and long delays in field verification. Polem, a financial analyst with RAMP, rounded out the day with advice on pricing and setting business goals. Nikhilendra, Assistant Director at MSME-DFO Dimapur, promised continued support for local entrepreneurs.
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