Mhathung Yanthan inaugurates WENN Bazaar in Chümoukedima, featuring 167 women entrepreneurs from all 17 districts of Nagaland
Three-day event showcases local products from all 17 districts and aims to generate over 1,000 employment opportunities
DIMAPUR — Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan on Thursday inaugurated the fifth edition of the Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland (WENN) Bazaar at Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, under the theme “One Nagaland, One Marketplace”.
The three-day bazaar brings together 167 women entrepreneurs from all 17 districts of Nagaland, showcasing products ranging from food and beverages, processed food, handicrafts and handlooms to retail items and products from self-help groups (SHGs).
The event will remain open to visitors from 11 am to 9 pm and will feature a dedicated children’s area and a food section offering Naga cuisine.
The bazaar is expected to generate more than 1,000 employment opportunities across various activities, from production to stall management. Ten workshops will also be conducted during the three-day event.
Addressing the inaugural programme as guest of honour, Yanthan congratulated WENN on the growth of the bazaar, which has expanded from 20 participants in its inaugural edition to 167 entrepreneurs this year.
Also read: A market of their own: PwDs step into the spotlight in Dimapur
WATCH MORE:
He said Nagaland had no shortage of talent, resources or opportunities, but the challenge was to translate these strengths into the three Es— entrepreneurship, employment and the economy.
Observing that employment had traditionally been viewed largely through the lens of government jobs, Yanthan said government employment alone could not meet the aspirations of the state's growing educated population.
He stressed the need to shift the focus towards creating jobs rather than merely seeking them.
Yanthan said Nagaland had considerable entrepreneurial potential, supported by its favourable climate, rich natural resources, diverse ecosystem, unique food products, tourism opportunities and young, educated and increasingly connected population. However, much of this potential remained untapped.
He stressed that the challenge was not merely to increase production but also to ensure better market access, remunerative prices and effective systems for processing, value addition, packaging, branding and marketing.
Production alone, he said, was insufficient to create sustainable economic opportunities.
Calling for greater emphasis on value addition and linking local products to national and international markets, the advisor said such efforts could enhance the value of local produce and generate better returns for entrepreneurs.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining quality, consistency and market standards, calling for coordinated efforts to provide entrepreneurs with access to technology, training, processing facilities, packaging, marketing support and wider market networks.
Describing WENN as an example of how women could collaborate, exchange experiences and strengthen their businesses, Yanthan said empowering women entrepreneurs would benefit not only individual businesses but also families, communities and the state's overall socio-economic development.
He urged women entrepreneurs to continue working together, sharing knowledge and inspiring one another to build successful businesses and contribute to Nagaland's economic growth.
Yanthan further informed that the government was exploring plans to upgrade the Agri Expo site by developing infrastructure such as international pavilions, conference halls and exhibition spaces.
He said the proposal was awaiting sanction from the Government of India and, if approved, work could begin next year.