KOHIMA, July 3: A Trade Facilitation Fair themed “Women-Led Enterprises for a Climate-Smart Nagaland” was inaugurated on Friday at the NBCC Convention Centre, Kohima, to promote climate-smart technologies and strengthen women-led rural enterprises across the state.
Organised by the SELCO Foundation in partnership with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), the fair showcases clean energy technologies and financing solutions for sectors including weaving, horticulture, piggery, bamboo and food processing.
Inaugurating the event, Sentiyanger Imchen highlighted the vital role of women in Nagaland’s rural economy and stressed the need for innovation, technology and renewable energy to build sustainable livelihoods. He noted that NSRLM has mobilised over 1.17 lakh rural households into 15,445 Self-Help Groups across 1,231 villages in all 17 districts, while calling for improved access to technology, finance and markets.
The Chief Secretary also underscored the importance of climate-smart solutions such as solar-powered dryers, grinders and cold storage units to reduce post-harvest losses and improve rural incomes. He urged banks, including the State Bank of India, Nagaland Rural Bank and Nagaland State Cooperative Bank, to support women entrepreneurs with easier access to credit.
The programme featured a panel discussion on inspiring women entrepreneurs, followed by an exhibition of 19 stalls displaying climate-smart technologies, financing options and products made by Self-Help Groups. The fair concludes at 4:00 pm on July 3.
