Kohima: Nagaland is pushing to modernize its rural economy. On July 3, the SELCO Foundation and the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission hosted a Trade Facilitation Fair at the NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima. The event focused on arming women entrepreneurs with clean energy and better market access.
Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen pointed to the state's progress. More than 1.17 lakh households now belong to over 15,000 self-help groups. He noted that climate change disrupts farming through erratic rain and falling crop yields. These problems require immediate attention. Imchen urged stakeholders to adopt renewable energy and solar-powered tools like grinders and cold storage to cut post-harvest waste.
Huda Jaffer of the SELCO Foundation said the group prioritizes local needs. "The most important priority is to provide need-based support, ensuring that solutions are designed around the aspirations and realities of local communities while creating sustainable rural livelihoods," she said. The foundation has spent 16 years building partnerships based on trust.
The fair featured a technology showcase and live demonstrations. Vendors and financial institutions met with rural business owners to build new market connections. Organizers hope the initiative will turn local innovation into lasting growth for the state's rural workforce.
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