Members, officials and guests pose for a group photograph following the 3rd Annual General Meeting of the Liju Federation, Wozhuro Block, under NSRLM, held at the Public Ground, Wozhuro Range, on June 12.
Morung Express News
Wokha| June 12
The Liju Federation, Wozhuro Block, under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), held its 3rd Annual General Meeting at the Public Ground, Wozhuro Range, on June 12, bringing together federation members, village-level representatives, community leaders and officials associated with rural livelihood initiatives.
Speaking at the programme, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS) Obendangba commended the federation members for their dedication towards strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities in the district.
Encouraging SHGs to explore greater avenues for growth, he urged them to register under Cooperative Societies through the Rural Development Department, stating that such registration would provide access to wider opportunities and long-term benefits.
Highlighting the growing scope of food processing enterprises in Nagaland, Obendangba observed that “while local entrepreneurs have shown promising progress, there remains a need to adopt proper pricing strategies and sustainable revenue models.” He advised SHGs to avoid overpricing their products and instead consider introducing smaller and more affordable packaging options to suit consumers’ purchasing capacities.
He stressed the importance of improving product shelf life through better food preservation techniques, noting that “enhanced quality and durability would increase marketability and profitability.” He also encouraged producers to develop products that can appeal to consumers beyond Wokha and Nagaland, saying that maintaining quality standards and adapting flavours for wider markets would help expand business prospects outside the state.
During the meeting, members reviewed the federation’s activities and achievements over the past year and deliberated on future plans aimed at strengthening livelihood opportunities, women’s empowerment and community-based enterprises.
The programme also featured testimonies from beneficiaries highlighting the impact of NSRLM interventions.
Sharing her experience, T Kimonglo Lotha of VF Mangasa VLO said her SHG received a revolving fund of Rs 17,000 under NSRLM, which enabled seven members to start a small business by purchasing household essentials at wholesale rates and selling them in their village. She said the group’s timely loan repayments later qualified them for larger loans, allowing members to expand their businesses. Kimonglo added that she now operates a successful ration shop that supports her family, while the group has also established an emergency fund to assist people in need.
Another beneficiary, Khomotchu, a Bank Sakhi from Oreno VLO, recounted how financial support from her SHG enabled her to purchase a vehicle and venture into rubber plantation. Through the income generated, she gradually expanded her enterprise and has since acquired two plots of land for rubber cultivation.
As part of the annual meeting, awards were presented to outstanding performers under various categories. Chanden SHG received the Best Performing SHG Award, while Hayichan VLO was adjudged the Best Performing VLO. The Best VF/MBK Award went to Oreno Patton, the Best CSP Award was presented to Ebibeni Lotha, and the Best CRP-EP Award was conferred on Thungrhoni Yanthan.
