Newmai News Network
Shillong | August 4
Several entrepreneurs are emerging from various parts of the state and they are certainly making their mark felt.
Slow but steady, the entrepreneurial environment has been growing in the region and in Meghalaya, with the state governments too encouraging entrepreneurship and creating a space for entrepreneurs to ideate and innovate.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma has conceptualized an initiative, Entrepreneurship of the Month award, to create an environment of enterprise and recognize people who have set an example in the society by dint of hard work.
He had said in the past that the one way hunt for government jobs by youth has prevented them from seeing the vast opportunities in different business venture.
Meet Crypsil Sangma from West Garo Hills who is into paper waste management. Speaking over phone, her granddaughter said that Crypsil basically cuts waste papers into pieces and make traditional Garo attires and is helped mostly by her relatives and neighbors in her venture – which she runs from her home. She showcases her products and collections in fashion shows and exhibitions organized by her uncle.
Mathew M Sangma, another Garo entrepreneur from Tura, whose venture – Hi Echo – markets products made from sustainable use of selected natural resources under the brand Tura Local.
The firm is trading in natural products such as, loofah, grass brooms, jute twine, clay powder, bamboo and cane products. Mathew’s firm also deals in jackfruit, bamboo shoot and other varieties of pickles besides banana and tapioca wafers.
The recipient of “Entrepreneur of the Month” award in January, James Evantis Dkhar runs a weaving and textile production unit at Umroh, Mawkasiang. This class XII pass entrepreneurship journey started 10 years back when he underwent training at Mendipathar in North Garo Hills for his maiden stint in handloom.
He was next sent for training on Dobby & Jacquard Machine at the Regional Silk Technology Research Station, Khanapara followed by training to build Flying8 Loom Warping Mill at GIZ CCA NER Shillong, and another on Silk Weaving at Central Silk Board, Bangalore.
His own production unit started in four looms and three weavers in 2016 and with loan of Rs 20 lakh from the Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation, he set up the Nela Handloom Training Centre cum Production Unit which is the first Flying 8 Loom Training Centre in the country.
His venture is providing employment to nearly twenty youth today producing fabrics bought locally and internationally.
West Jaintia Hills entrepreneur, Wanmon Tang, the latest recipient of Meghalaya Entrepreneurship Recognition Award, is producing candies from locally available fruits and vegetables, pickles, jam, fruit wine, juice, turmeric and chilli flakes. She is running her venture – Deisa Food Processing – which was appreciated by the Chief Minister saying that it is encouraging to see the local women entrepreneurs.
