Products seen being displayed during the commencement of the two-day Vendor Development Programme (VDP) at Ayigha Hall in the NPF Sub-Divisional Office complex at Alahuto Colony, Zunheboto Town on May 21.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | May 21
A two-day Vendor Development Programme (VDP) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme began in Zunheboto on Thursday with an aim to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create business opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme, organised by YouthNet in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, is being held at Ayigha Hall in the NPF Sub-Divisional Office complex at Alahuto Colony, Zunheboto Town.
The initiative is supported by the World Bank and other partner agencies. Local entrepreneurs, business owners, self-help groups and aspiring MSMEs from different parts of Zunheboto district attended the programme.
Delivering the welcome address, Limaakum Jamir, Project Lead of NFMP at YouthNet, highlighted the importance of connecting local entrepreneurs with larger market platforms and business opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, N Toky Chishi, General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Zunheboto, encouraged MSMEs to fully utilise government schemes and vendor development initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
He urged local entrepreneurs to make effective use of the district’s available resources for sustainable growth and economic development.
Chishi also stressed the importance of proper packaging and competitive pricing to attract consumers and improve marketability of products.
He informed participants that efforts are underway to onboard local entrepreneurs and startup products onto online e-commerce platforms, including Amazon India, to expand market access beyond the district.
Technical sessions during the programme covered topics such as the RAMP Scheme, vendor development and credit linkages, procurement policies and business opportunities for MSMEs.
Ploketo H Awomi, Assistant Manager of the SBI, spoke on vendor development and credit linkages, while Kikheto Murru, President of the Zunheboto District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZDCCI), discussed the benefits of business collaborations and institutional support for local MSMEs.
The programme also featured presentations on activities under the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) and an entrepreneurial journey session by K Hika Zhimomi, proprietor of Nagaland Spices.
An MSME product exhibition showcasing locally made products was organised alongside the event to promote entrepreneurship in the district.
According to the organisers, the programme seeks to help entrepreneurs connect with buyers and industry leaders, understand procurement systems including the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, and explore online market platforms.
The programme will conclude on May 22 with sessions on MSME schemes, access to finance, loan documentation, entrepreneur development, seller registration on Amazon, and training on FSSAI and Udyam registration.
