Seb inaugurates BAN office, emphasises promoting local farmers, products

DIMAPUR — MLA Jwenga Seb said on Tuesday that promoting local farmers and products, as well as working to create avenues for them to thrive, should be the main focus of the Business Association of Nagas (BAN).

Speaking during the inauguration of the new BAN secretariat office at DC Court Junction, Dimapur, he said that supporting and promoting local produce can contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector in the state and improve the livelihood of the farmers.

Seb, who was also a former executive council member of BAN, expressed that BAN aims to enable economic control within the community, ensuring that they have a say in shaping their own future, adding that BAN members should actively foster international trade, opening opportunities for the business community.

Harmony and integration are the cornerstones of a prosperous community, and BAN is committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect among the Naga community, he said.

He noted that the association is actively promoting innovation and supporting start-ups, providing them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed.

M Ababe Ezung, finance secretary of BAN, stated that doing business in Nagaland is one of the most difficult things because they have to start from scratch, and the business journey in Nagaland has only just begun.

He maintained that the Nagas should not take the Marwari business community as a threat, but they need to learn from them, and he added that the state government and business community need to move together to improve the economy of the state.

Mentioning how private businesses have provided job opportunities for a large number of people, he urged BAN to teach people about what types of businesses will be good in Nagaland.

L Mongkum Jamir, president of BAN, recalled how the organisation began modestly but vowed to serve the state’s business community. He assured that the association would help propel the economy of the state.

Thungbemo Murry, BAN’s first president, and Vitho Zao, BAN’s second president, spoke about the organisation’s early days and the accomplishments it made during their respective tenures. They also shared the various issues and challenges that they faced.

Also read: MLA Toiho S Yepthomi seeks commitment of dept. heads for Suruhuto’s development