Nagaland Women Turn Traditional Skills Into Growing Businesses

Kohima: Women-led Self-Help Groups in Nagaland are scaling traditional skills into profitable businesses. They produce everything from handloom textiles to processed foods. The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission provides the training and capacity building to make it happen. These entrepreneurs are currently displaying their work at the SARAS Mela 2026, held at the Dimapur District Sports Council Stadium.

Anitoli, representing Kuphu SHG from Niuland, relies on traditional loin loom weaving to create custom home goods. The group now employs more than 20 people. Anitoli noted, "participation in SARAS Mela for the fourth time had provided the SHG with valuable opportunities to expand its customer base, particularly beyond the state." Her group adapts ancient techniques to fit modern market tastes.

Collective action drives growth elsewhere. The Alpha Integrated Farming Cluster in Chümoukedima combines 50 SHGs from Doyapur, Bade, and Amaluma. They boast 478 total members. Their operation covers poultry, fishery, beekeeping, and organic fertilizer production. NSRLM training in packaging helped them manage their affairs independently while boosting their collective income.

Other groups are also seeing results. The Merangjem SHG upgraded their pickle and dehydrated fruit sales after receiving expert packaging instruction. Better presentation directly boosted their profits. The NSRLM team plans to launch a website named Women Folk to sell these goods online. Day two of the mela featured workshops on mushroom cultivation by Konger Agritech, female entrepreneurship, and banking services provided by IDBI Bank.