Participants of the skill development day programme in Zunhrboto.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 12
The second session of the Lochomi Baptist Church Skills Development Day, organised by the Department of Youth Ministry (DOYM), focused on entrepreneurship and business development, where local entrepreneurs shared their experiences, challenges and success stories to inspire the youth towards self-reliance and innovation.
Speaking as a resource person, HV Achumi Naga, Proprietor of Good Day Chow, Zunheboto, said he never initially planned to become a businessman, as he was actively involved in voluntary social work. However, he desired to create his own identity while remaining steadfast in his faith in God.
He emphasised on “work without faith is nothing” and shared that before venturing into business in 2022, he carefully researched the market and discovered that very few people were engaged in chow manufacturing. Seeing an opportunity, he decided to pursue the business.
Today, Achumi said, his products are being exported to various districts across Nagaland. He noted that “The success and recognition gained through the enterprise belong not only to me but to the people of the district as a whole” Achumi Added.
Reflecting on changing lifestyles, he observed that earlier generations relied largely on organic produce, whereas society now depends heavily on supplied essentials despite possessing fertile land. He encouraged youths to explore value-added products from locally available resources such as Axone (fermented soybean), Ginger and wild Apple, stating that these can be processed and marketed successfully.
He further highlighted the growing support available to entrepreneurs through organizations and initiatives such as YouthNet and RAMP, urging young people not to envy others but instead discover and showcase their own talents. According to him, impatience and the reluctance to engage in hard labour often contribute to business failures.
Calling on the youth to return to grassroots-level work, he stressed the importance of proper product packaging and meeting the increasing demand for organic products. He also assured participants of his willingness to assist aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Be self-reliant and self-dependent, as government employees receive salaries once a month, whereas entrepreneurs have opportunities to generate income daily.” He concluded by reminding participants that success comes only through patience, perseverance and hard work.
Meanwhile, Kipito K Achumi, Proprietor of Peitha Julo, spoke on the vast entrepreneurial opportunities available beyond government employment. He described business as a journey filled with challenges and shared how he personally traveled from village to village and shop to shop to promote his products during the early stages of his venture.
Encouraging youths to believe in themselves, he said, “Many young people possess innovative skills but often lack consistent support and financial assistance”. However, he noted that numerous government schemes are now available to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
He highlighted schemes such as Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), PMEGP, and Kisan Credit Card (KCC), encouraging participants to make informed use of these opportunities to transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Kipito said that discipline, patience, consistency, faith and hard work are essential qualities for success and added that dependence on God remains central to achieving one's goals in life. Citing Philippians 4:13, he shared that faith has been his source of strength throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
Earlier, Unice Swu, M.Div chaired the event with vote of thanks and benediction prayer pronounced by Tovito Awomi, Pastor Lochomi Baptist Church. The first session showcased soap and dishing liquid making, handicraft training assisted by the village elders where youth were imparted with the skills and craft through bamboo.
