YouthNet along with other line departments with participants during the Vendor Development Programme (VDP) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme held at Zunheboto on May 22. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | May 22
The second day of the Vendor Development Programme (VDP) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme was held at Zunheboto on May 22 with various technical sessions focusing on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, financial accessibility, and business development for local MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme organised in collaboration with YouthNet featured resource persons from the Department of Industries & Commerce, banking sector, entrepreneurs, and business mentors who shared practical insights on market opportunities and sustainable entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the session on government schemes and financial assistance, Er N Toky Chishi, General Manager, DIC Zunheboto highlighted various government schemes and loan facilities available for entrepreneurs and MSMEs. He encouraged the youth to take advantage of these schemes and develop self-reliance through entrepreneurship and local business initiatives.
During a session on Amazon seller registration and product listing, Lachim Yimchunger from the YouthNet team stressed the growing opportunities available through e-commerce platforms. He informed that Amazon currently has more than 14 lakh users in India and noted that YouthNet itself is actively involved through its “Made in Nagaland” initiative featuring over 200 Naga products.
He highlighted that women entrepreneurs constitute only around 20-25 percent of sellers on Amazon and encouraged more women to utilise opportunities such as Amazon Saheli, a programme aimed at promoting women-led businesses. He also spoke on Amazon Karigar and explained how such initiatives can help local entrepreneurs gain wider market access.
Yimchunger further stated that one of the biggest challenges faced by local entrepreneurs is marketing, and platforms like Amazon can help address this issue by providing access to a massive customer base across India. He pointed out that Amazon has over 15 crore active users and offers equal opportunities for all sellers. He also explained that onboarding products on Amazon requires low investment as sellers are only charged platform fees after sales are made, while also providing pan-India delivery and credibility for products.
Sharing his entrepreneurial journey, H V Achumi, owner of Good Day Chow, Zunheboto said that he started investing seriously in his business and has now become an employer with around ten employees under him.
He stated that his products are currently being exported to districts including Kohima, Wokha, Kiphire, Tuensang, while Zunheboto remains the highest consumer base. Stressing on the importance of originality and market research, he remarked that many Nagas tend to follow “copycat businesses” without studying market demands.
“If everyone sells the same product, who will be the customer?” he questioned while encouraging youths to pursue innovative business ideas instead of depending solely on government jobs.
Meanwhile, Ovoyoung, during a session on FSSAI and Udyam registration, highlighted the importance of proper registration and food safety compliance, warning that hazardous food-related violations can attract penalties of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Nuneseno Chase, Director of YouthNet, while addressing the gathering, stated that although Nagaland has 17 districts, the RAMP Scheme is currently being implemented only in eight districts. She challenged the common perception among Nagas that success can only come through government employment and encouraged youths to embrace entrepreneurship with innovation and confidence.
She further stated that we have to identify locally available resources and ingredients while developing products. She encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on consistency in supply, branding, and originality rather than imitating existing businesses.
“Change your narrative of this so-called ‘chotu moto’ business and become someone,” she encouraged, while also stating that Zunheboto possesses immense entrepreneurial potential.
The programme concluded with networking and interaction sessions among participants, entrepreneurs, and resource persons.
