Nagaland: Khetoli Awomi named ‘Most Enterprising SHG Woman’

Rebecca Kits Jakhalu
Kohima | March 8

The International Women’s Day event held at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima on March 8 recognized and felicitated outstanding women Self-Help Group (SHG) achievers from across Nagaland. Among the winners was Khetoli Awomi, a 54-year-old entrepreneur from Aichisaghemi Village, Suruhuto RD Block, Zunheboto district, who was awarded the ‘Most Enterprising SHG Woman’ under the Non-Farm Livelihoods component category.

Awomi’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 with the Nikivipu Self-Help Group (SHG) under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Rural Development department. This initiative provided her with a platform to generate a steady income while also making a positive impact on her community. Starting with an initial investment of just Rs 5000, Awomi embarked on small-scale food production. In 2021, she availed a loan of Rs 50,000 from the Community Investment Fund (CIF) to expand her business.

What makes Awomi’s story even more remarkable is that she had no formal training or skill development support when starting her business. With sheer determination and keen entrepreneurial spirit, she established a home-based food processing business and successfully repaid her loan in 2022.

Today, Awomi is the proud owner of ‘Natural Flavors,’ a brand registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Awomi’s product line includes health-focused items such as fruit beverages, roasted soya bean powder, roasted corn powder, and herbal green tea, all of which are carefully packed and sold to various markets.”I supply my products to places like Kohima, Dimapur, and other districts as well,” Awomi told The Morung Express on Saturday.

She stores and sells products during the glut period which ensures that her enterprise remains profitable year-round. Her current livelihood activities include production of various food processing items, thrifting and knitting.

Her enterprise continues to grow, with Awomi recently receiving a Rs 37,000 subsidy in March 2024 under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, provided by the Industries and Commerce Department.

Awomi’s entrepreneurial journey has been far from easy. As a mother of five, she faces the challenge of juggling her household responsibilities, and social obligations with the demands of running a successful business. Despite these challenges, she has managed to strike a balance between her role as a mother and an entrepreneur, all while empowering other women in her community to do the same.

Awomi has worked hard to overcome societal expectations and stereotypes, achieving financial independence through her ventures. Today, she earns a monthly income of Rs 20,000, with annual earnings nearing Rs 3,00,000.

Beyond her personal success, Awomi has become a key figure in her community. Her active involvement led to her appointment as a Community Resource Person for Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP). As a CRP-EP, she has helped guide other SHGs in food processing, encouraging them to become self-reliant and financially independent. She provides free mentorship and business management training to aspiring entrepreneurs and has also provided employment to other SHG members, bringing them together to work under one roof and thus fostering a sense of community collaboration.

“I am very thankful to the Block staff and NSRLM team for the hand-holding support and guidance they have provided since the beginning. We have progressed a lot through their initiatives and receiving such a prestigious award is not only a proud moment but also very encouraging. This has motivated me to work harder and do better,” Awomi said.

Through her hard work and commitment to community development, Awomi’s journey exemplifies the spirit of International Women’s Day-celebrating the achievements of women and fostering empowerment for a brighter future.