17 districts make it to fifth WENN Bazaar

167 women-led enterprises open stallsMorung Express NewsChümoukedima | October 15The 5th edition of the annual Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN) Bazaar began on October 15 at Agri Expo, bringing together 167 stalls from women-led enterprises representing all 17 districts of Nagaland under the theme ‘One Nagaland, One Marketplace.’Addressing the inaugural programme as guest of honour, Mhathung Yanthan, MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, commended WENN for its growing impact in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and said the bazaar reflected the expanding entrepreneurial spirit of women in the state.He noted that the event had grown from 20 stalls to 50, 70, 100 and now 167, highlighting the achievement as a testament to the growing popularity of the initiative and the spirit of enterprise among Naga women.Local products in different stalls at the ongoing WENN Bazaar at Agri Expo on October 15. (Morung Photo)  Yanthan observed that Nagaland had no shortage of talent, resources or opportunities, but said it needed to translate its potential into entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable economic growth.“For too long, we have been looking at employment through the lens of government jobs,” he said, adding that while government employment remained important, it could not alone provide jobs for the state’s growing number of educated young people.He called for a shift towards job creation, urging young people to become entrepreneurs, innovators and producers rather than remain only job seekers.Highlighting the state’s agricultural and horticultural potential, Yanthan pointed to products such as Naga King chilli, cucumber, pineapple, kiwi, banana, ginger, millets, bamboo, honey and traditional food products as having the potential to reach markets beyond Nagaland.He said the state had favourable climatic conditions, fertile soil and a rich variety of indigenous products, traditional knowledge and handicrafts that could be developed into viable businesses.Referring to a similar exhibition-cum-fair he attended in Chozuba recently, Yanthan said the number of participating farmers, entrepreneurs and women’s groups, along with the range of products displayed and the enthusiasm of participants, showed that Nagaland was gradually catching up with broader entrepreneurial and market trends.“These shows that we are also in the mainstream, that we are catching up,” he noted. Emphasising that production alone was not enough, Yanthan identified assured markets, remunerative prices, value addition, processing, packaging, branding and marketing as essential to improving income.He said farmers who sold raw produce earned one level of income, while entrepreneurs who processed, packaged, branded and marketed those products could generate greater value and create more employment opportunities.“The government can only create support. The final step needs to be taken by the entrepreneurs,” he said. Yanthan called on the aspiring entrepreneurs to start with what they have, start little, grow gradually, continuously acquire skills and improve their products, with quality remaining a priority.He also underscored the need for farming to be treated as an enterprise rather than merely a way of life. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern technology and produce not just for household consumption but also to generate income. It is time farmers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to improve productivity and returns, he added.With many of Nagaland’s products being organic by default, Yanthan said greater attention to quality, processing and appropriate certification will help them access wider markets. He also encouraged young people to remain in the state and capitalise on its resources and opportunities.He emphasised the importance of women’s participation in decision making and economic development, noting that empowering women entrepreneurs benefits not only individual businesses but also families and communities. He lauded WENN for creating a platform where women can showcase their products, exchange ideas and inspire more young people to pursue entrepreneurship.While acknowledging the network for its courage, creativity and determination through the years, he encouraged them to continue strengthening its support for women-led enterprises and helping them move from small-scale production towards sustainable businesses.The advisor also announced plans to upgrade the existing Agri Expo facility, which he said had considerable untapped potential because of its strategic location and available space.The proposed development could include an international pavilion, conference halls, exhibition spaces and permanent stalls to replace temporary structures. The proposal is awaiting sanction from the Government of India, and work could begin as early as next year if approved.The bazaar features food products, fresh farm produce, handicrafts, handlooms, clothing, accessories and other locally made goods, alongside a dedicated children’s zone. More than 1,000 employment opportunities are expected to be generated through the event.Ten workshops will also be conducted over the three days, covering business growth, financial management, product photography, branding, weaving and other topics aimed at providing practical guidance to entrepreneurs.