Nagaland joined the global celebration of World MSME Day on June 27 by launching several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. Held at the Secretariat Conference Hall, New Secretariat Complex, Kohima, the event was organized by the Department of Industries and Commerce, with Advisor for Agriculture Mhathung Yanthan as the special guest.
Speaking at the program, Yanthan highlighted the untapped entrepreneurial potential in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. While commending improvements in product quality and packaging, he emphasized the need to scale up. He proposed the establishment of MSME facilitation centres at KVKs and DICs, localized training workshops, and translation of government schemes into local languages.
“Our priority must be mapping district strengths, promoting cluster-based development, easing access to finance, and enabling digital marketing,” he said. Yanthan also called for greater convergence with other government schemes, partnerships with FPOs/FPCs, and youth and women empowerment. He expressed confidence in Nagaland’s ability to lead in youth-driven entrepreneurship for a Viksit Bharat.
The celebration featured the launch of the RAMP Nagaland Portal, part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) program—a World Bank-supported initiative of the Government of India. The revamped Department of Industries and Commerce website was also inaugurated, aimed at improving support and accessibility for local entrepreneurs.
Another highlight was the unveiling of the iGOT User Manual for Nagaland, guiding state employees in utilizing the Integrated Government Online Training platform. Notably, Nagaland has become the first state in the Northeast to onboard 220 government officers to the iGOT portal for capacity building.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Government of Nagaland and the Quality Council of India (QCI), represented by Manish Vashistha, Deputy Director, QCI. The MoU seeks to raise quality standards across industries and will significantly boost ZED and LEAN certifications for manufacturing MSMEs in the state under the RAMP programme.
Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Secretary for Industries & Commerce, briefed the gathering on the objectives of RAMP, including: Capacity building of MSMEs; Promoting “Make in Nagaland” products; Supporting green finance and competitiveness; Enhancing market access and expert guidance; and Driving institutional development through targeted training.
Kvulo Lorin, Chairman of the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC), who chaired the program, called MSMEs “the backbone of the economy” and praised their contribution to employment, innovation, and GDP.
P Tokugha Sema, Director, Industries & Commerce, urged for collaborative action and expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the initiatives announced.