Hekani Jakhalu addressing inaugural session of Buyers & Suppliers meet 2025 at Kisama on December 4. (Morung Photo)
Buyers & Suppliers meet 2025 underway at Kisama
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 4
Aimed at connecting businesses and building partnerships for Nagaland MSMEs, a two day long Buyers & Suppliers Meet 2025 commenced today at Bamboo Hall, Kisama under the aegis of the Department of Industries & Commerce in association with Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC) under Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Project of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
Addressing the inaugural session, Nagaland’s Industries & Commerce advisor Hekani Jakhalu said that the presence of buyers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, partners and well-wishers reflects a steadfast commitment to strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem to elevating the immense capabilities of Nagaland’s vibrant enterprises.
“Nagaland, celebrated across the country as the Land of Festivals is a place where culture, craftsmanship and creativity come together in profound harmony. Here, tradition does not merely survive—it inspires innovation. Our weavers, artisans, farmers, food processors and young start-ups carry forward a heritage built on resilience, imagination and meticulous skill,” she said.
Their enterprises are not just economic ventures; they are expressions of identity, of community and of a timeless Naga spirit that constantly seeks to create, to evolve and to excel, she said.
She said that the Buyers and Suppliers meet is a platform where strategic partnerships can take root, where conversations can evolve from short-term procurement into long-term collaboration and where value chains can be strengthened through mutual trust and shared vision.
“With twenty-four distinguished buyers from across the country and twenty-two promising MSMEs from Nagaland, this Meet signals a powerful opportunity to build relationships that endure, scale and uplift both industry and community,” Jakhalu said.
The meet featured industry leaders including the Founder & Director of Eyaas, the Director of Brahmaputra Fables, the Chief Marketing Officer of Rural Delight, the CEO of Universe Export and many other buyers.
‘Imagine together the new markets’
“This Meet highlights several sectors where Nagaland holds distinct competitive strength. Our artisanal fruit beverages—crafted from pineapple, plum, banana and passion fruit—capture the freshness and authenticity of our land and align with the growing national demand for natural specialty drinks,” the Advisor said.
She said that equally promising “are our herbal and organic teas, where indigenous herbs are blended with modern techniques to create wellness-focused products for discerning markets.”
In the food processing sector, she said, entrepreneurs are offering a diverse range of value-added products, from indigenous spices and millets to dehydrated vegetables, handmade candies and the iconic King Chilli—reflecting purity, sustainability and authenticity.
“Our handicrafts, handloom and home artistry further showcase the creativity of Naga artisans, who continue to blend cultural heritage with contemporary design to produce eco-friendly lifestyle and decor products that appeal to both national and global buyers,” she said.
She said that through this Buyers–Suppliers Meet initiative, the Government aims to strengthen MSME competitiveness, facilitate entry into high-value markets, provide a direct interface with experienced buyers, develop long-term procurement and supply relationships and position Nagaland’s products within national and global value chains.
“This Meet is not merely an event—it is an investment in the future of Nagaland’s MSMEs and in the economic aspirations of our people,” she said.
She urged upon the buyers and entrepreneurs alike to imagine together the new markets “we can reach, the new products we can shape and the new pathways of prosperity we can build for Nagaland.”
Earlier, keynote address was delivered by Kumar Ramnikant, Secretary, Industries & Commerce while P. Tokugha Sema, Director, Industries & Commerce delivered welcome address.
The programme was chaired by Keneirienuo T. Zatsu, Deputy Director, Industries & Commerce while vote of thanks was proposed by Kvulo Lorin, chairman NIDC.
