Nagaland CM opens centre aimed at craft-based livelihood & job creation

Bamboo-based Craft Concentration Centre in Sovima offers craft centre, gallery, studio, showroom, classrooms and more

Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | November 23

Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today inaugurated the Bamboo-Based Craft Concentration Centre at Heirloom Naga Centre, Sovima aimed at promoting craft-based livelihood and generating employment, among others.

The centre has been implemented by the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Centre (NECBDC) and Sustainable Livelihood Multipurpose Cooperative Society (SLMCS) Dimapur and funded by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Union Ministry of DONER.

In his address, the Chief Minister hailed the inauguration as a red-letter day and a milestone achieved by the state, through the dedication and commitment of the SLMCS, NEC, NECBDC and the DONER Ministry. 

He also recalled how the journey to protect and promote the rich Naga cultural traditions began in the Nagaland and the progress so far.

Rio said that the Hornbill festival which is a culmination of all the festivals of the 17 Naga tribes is a tremendous opportunity for the craftsmen, weavers and artisans alike to exhibit and promote their products and sell it.

Calls for skill refinement 
Maintaining that this how one promotes livelihood, Rio acknowledged Jesmina and Aku Zeliang who are faring well in their journey and has created a centre that will benefit many people. 

While mentioning some more artisans who have been successful in the national and international market, Rio maintained that the local artisans need to have a suitable market to sell their products. 

“So far, we don’t have a system, so we have to build one, from the village weavers to the district collection points, and then marketing it to the national and international platform.” 

CM also underscored the importance of quality control, where artisans need to refine their skills to compete in the market, noting that in the bamboo and the cane concept the world is “far ahead of us.”

Citing countries such as Japan and Vietnam, he said that Nagaland needs proper machinery and training for which the government will bring technicians to provide master-class to the artisans. 

Rio, however, regretted that while the government has undertaken many skilling projects over the years, it goes waste as no consistency after completing the training and receiving the equipments.

He encouraged individuals not to rely solely on white-collar jobs or exclusively pursue government-run businesses. Instead, he pointed to Jesmina’s 30-year journey, highlighting her efforts that not only brought personal success but also positively impacted numerous others.

The government will also seek her guidance to support more technicians and artisans, he added.

Nurturing talent
Earlier, Jesmina Zeliang, Member, Managing Committee, SLMCS said that the centre is a testament to the society’s commitment to promote, preserve and continue with “our traditional skills and practices,” as well as exploring options for employment generation through bamboo-based craft activities. 

It also aims to lend a new narrative for the existing crafts by making them more relatable and trending. The centre strives to be a vibrant space for artisans, designers, interns, students, for craft-enthusiasts and the cultural aficionados, she added.

Having been in the sector for three decades, she said the centre coming to fruition validates the work that the society has been doing over the years.

The centre aims to nurture talent, encourage innovation, and preserve traditional knowledge. One of the key features of the centre is the gallery which has a collection of crafts, diligently collected over the years.

Jesmina said that the need of the hour is to upskill our artisans. “Unless we can produce uniformity and introduce standardization in our products, we will never be able to improve our footprints in the industry and with that in mind, we have made a full-fledged training workshop.” 

She said there is a critical need to look into this sector as it is the largest non-farming sector, while assuring that the society is fully geared to offer a complete and immersive craft experience, and hopes to usher in crafts-tourism in the state. Zeliang requested the Government of Nagaland to extend support in all development programmes related to this sector, such as skill and design development etc.

Secretary, NEC, Ministry of DoNER, Moses Chalai spoke at length on the infrastructure development in the North-East while NECBDC Managing Director, MC Omi Ningshen shared on livelihood projects in the region. 

The event also witnessed a testimonial by an artisan Naiba Konyak, while word of gratitude was delivered by HK Khulu, retd IAS, former Additional Chief Secretary.

The SLMCS has been working towards employment generation and works closely with established local brands like Heirloom Naga, Cane Concept and Urra Design. 

These brands have played a pivotal role in exporting textiles and crafts made in Nagaland in over 30 countries. 

Over the years the society has trained, skilled and partnered with thousands of artisans from Nagaland as well as neighbouring states.

The new centre features a gallery, design studio, retail showroom, classrooms, workshops, eatery, common facility centre, hostel and a dormitory.