Officials during the singing of the MoU in Kohima on June 5.
Kohima, June 5 (MExN): In a move aimed at strengthening livelihood opportunities for women artisans trained under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, the Department of Women Resource Development (WRD), the Department of Industries and Commerce, and Mother’s Craft on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the production, promotion and marketing of artisan products in Nagaland.
The agreement seeks to create sustainable market opportunities for products crafted by members of Mother’s Craft through institutional support and enhanced market access, including sales through Myki, the marketing platform and retail outlet of the WRD Department.
Officials said the collaboration would strengthen the value chain for artisan-made products by combining the strengths of the three partners in production, promotion, branding and marketing.
Speaking at the programme, Additional Director of Industries and Commerce, Er Y Lipongse Thongtsar, highlighted the importance of inter-departmental collaboration in generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women artisans.
He noted that the Department of Industries and Commerce, particularly its textiles and handicrafts sectors, shares strong synergies with the Department of Women Resource Development, making such partnerships vital for the growth of women-led enterprises in the state.
Director of Women Resource Development, Vilone Sakhrie, welcomed the partnership and appreciated the collaborative efforts between the departments. He described the initiative as an important step towards supporting women entrepreneurs and artisans through improved market access and institutional backing.
A key feature of the event was the recognition of Mother’s Craft as a success story under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. Established in July 2024, the collective comprises 12 women artisans and homemakers from the first batch of Doll and Toy Makers trained under the scheme in Nagaland.
The group specialises in handcrafted crochet dolls and toys and has showcased its products at major platforms, including Delhi Haat, the Hornbill Festival and Myki Store Fest. Its products have also reached customers in Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Haryana, Rajasthan and Kolkata.
During the programme, members of Mother’s Craft displayed their products, demonstrating the skills and craftsmanship acquired through the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
Officials said the collaboration is expected to strengthen market linkages for artisans through Myki and other promotional platforms while advancing the objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme by supporting artisans beyond skill development and enabling sustainable livelihood opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
