Leverage power of e-commerce to bridge the market gaps — Metsubo Jamir

DIMAPUR — Metsubo Jamir, Minister of Rural Development and SIRD, reassured the women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that the department would aid in creating market linkages by developing partnerships with established businesses and e-commerce giants to assist them in reaching a broader audience.

Speaking at the two-day SHG Expo on Tuesday, at the Naga Shopping Arcade, Dimapur, Jamir acknowledged that there are significant challenges faced by rural women, significantly the distribution and marketing of local products. Travelling to cities and towns in search of markets is not only time-consuming but also financially draining for these women, he noted.

The event is organised by District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), District Mission Management Unit (DDMU), Dimapur.

Jamir proposed that the solution to these challenges lies in leveraging the power of technology, particularly e-commerce, to bridge the gap. He suggested, “By establishing an online platform dedicated to selling products made by rural women, we can solve an important issue faced by rural women. These platforms can connect our rural women to national and international markets, and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their products even globally.”

Emphasising the benefits of e-commerce, Jamir highlighted that it eliminates the need for physical transportation and provides a platform for women to tell their stories, bringing their unique work into the limelight. This, in turn, allows consumers to appreciate the true value of their products.

Jamir underscored the societal impact of those contributing economically to the community, citing the crucial role that rural women and women SHGs play in the social and economic progress of the state. He acknowledged the positive effect of SHGs, noting that they empower women to take charge of their lives, finances, and futures.

“These women, who were once considered dependent, have now become self-reliant and are taking confident strides towards a better future, not just for themselves, but for their families and by extension, to our society”, he commented, expressing appreciation for the contributions made by women in resource-limited settings to social and economic progress.

Imtimenla, Joint Secretary of Rural Development and Mission Director of NSRLM, conveyed that the expo aims to give maximum exposure to the products of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). She said that the local products from Nagaland are of exceptional quality, but the primary challenge lies in effective marketing.
Imtimenla clarified that the expo is designed to eliminate the involvement of middlemen, ensuring that SHGs can attain higher income directly. Furthermore, she highlighted that such expos provide a significant platform for the state to showcase its traditional products.

Meanwhile, Moa Sangtam, Project Director-cum-DDM, DRDA DMMU Dimapur, provided an update, mentioning that due to space constraints, only two Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from each of the six blocks (Dhansiripar, Medziphema, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Kuhuboto, Aghunaqa) could set up stalls at the expo.

He also conveyed that the department will be maintaining small shelves stocked with products from the SHGs. These shelves will be accessible at Hotel Saramati, Tourist Lodge, The Garden Restaurant, and the canteen of CIHSR hospital. Sangtam mentioned plans for expansion in the future.