Made in Nagaland Initiative Expands Market Access for Local Entrepreneurs

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav inaugurated the Made in Nagaland Centre at YouthNet, 5th Mile, Chümoukedima, on Tuesday, providing a dedicated platform to showcase locally made products and expand market opportunities for entrepreneurs. Established by YouthNet, the centre aims to connect local producers with wider markets while promoting Nagaland’s traditional crafts, textiles, agricultural products, food products and artistic expressions. Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Yadav highlighted the importance of creating sustainable economic opportunities for youth, women, MSMEs and rural communities. He said the “Made in Nagaland” label should represent authenticity, quality, innovation, sustainability and trust, and urged entrepreneurs to focus on quality control, standardisation, packaging, branding, supply chains and digital commerce to compete beyond the state. He also encouraged young people to become job creators and called for greater access to skills, finance, technology, mentoring and market intelligence. YouthNet founder and Advisor for Industries & Commerce Hekani Jakhalu recalled that the organisation was established in 2006 to promote youth entrepreneurship, with its first Made in Nagaland Centre launched in Kohima in 2018. The Chümoukedima facility is the third such initiative and will also support entrepreneurs through branding, packaging and access to finance under initiatives such as the RAMP Scheme. Advisor to the Chief Minister and IDAN chairman Abu Metha praised YouthNet for creating employment and expanding market access for local entrepreneurs. He said the centre could strengthen Nagaland’s creative economy and help local products reach national and international markets. The initiative brings together producers, consumers, traditional knowledge and contemporary enterprise, with stakeholders hoping it will grow into a broader movement for inclusive economic development in the state.