Kohima, May 27: Nagaland Advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu on Tuesday emphasised that strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting entrepreneurs would play a crucial role in the state’s long-term economic progress and employment generation.
Speaking at an interactive session on the UNNATI 2024 Scheme and PM Vishwakarma organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Jakhalu said properly developed MSMEs had the potential to address a significant portion of the state’s economic challenges. She noted that the sector could resolve nearly 70 to 80 per cent of Nagaland’s economic concerns if strengthened effectively.
Calling for greater involvement of legislators, Jakhalu urged public representatives to actively spread awareness about government initiatives and livelihood opportunities so that people in every constituency could benefit from available schemes. She said genuine beneficiaries should be identified and encouraged to participate in programmes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship.
Referring to the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, a World Bank-supported initiative under the Ministry of MSME, she said awareness campaigns had already been conducted across Nagaland to identify potential entrepreneurs. She informed that 750 high-potential MSMEs would receive mentoring support under the programme and appealed to legislators to identify deserving candidates capable of becoming role models in their regions.
Highlighting the potential of the food processing sector under the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, Jakhalu said it could emerge as a major source of employment and entrepreneurship in the state.
She identified sectors such as textiles, handloom, handicrafts and food processing as key areas that could strengthen Nagaland’s economy. Stressing the importance of grassroots development, she also called for better infrastructure support for local weavers and encouraged women involved in handloom activities to ensure that genuine beneficiaries were registered under Individual Weaver’s Shed schemes.
Speaking on PM Vishwakarma, Jakhalu described it as an important initiative designed to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople by providing financial assistance, skill development and improved market access.
Secretary for Industries and Commerce Kumar Ramnikant said 55 units in Nagaland are currently covered under the UNNATI scheme, which he described as an important step in promoting entrepreneurship across the Northeast. He noted that the programme could help expand traditional crafts, improve market connectivity and support rural tourism activities.
Ramnikant further stated that six traditional trades had been identified for training programmes in Nagaland and revealed that 1,939 artisans had already been trained under PM Vishwakarma as of May 25, 2026. He added that the schemes are helping traditional occupations become part of the formal and digital economy.
Director of Industries and Commerce P Tokugha Sema said awareness drives on the UNNATI scheme had already reached all districts of Nagaland and urged legislators to identify entrepreneurs capable of contributing to local economic growth.
Additional Director Lipongse Thongtsar said the department is prioritising finance accessibility, technology support and grievance redressal while also promoting the textile sector to strengthen the rural economy.
Officials at the event said the UNNATI 2024 scheme aims to strengthen the industrial ecosystem across the Northeast through incentives for manufacturing, service sectors and micro-industries. They added that PM Vishwakarma currently supports trades in Nagaland such as basket weaving, tailoring, carpentry, masonry, barbering, and doll and toy making.
According to figures presented during the session, 1,884 artisans had been trained and assessed under PM Vishwakarma by March 31, 2026, while loans amounting to Rs 3.91 crore and 773 toolkits had already been distributed under the programme.
