Concluding the discussion on the critical role of MSMEs in improving Nagaland’s economy during the Eighth Session of the 14th NLA on 10th March 2026, Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio highlighted the steady expansion of the sector and the various initiatives undertaken by the government to promote enterprise development.
As of 9th March 2026, Rio said that a total of 48,655 enterprises have been registered on the Udyam portal in the State. Of these, 48,464 are micro enterprises, most of which fall under nano enterprises with a turnover below ₹25 lakh, while 175 are small enterprises and 16 are medium enterprises.
Under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI), 777 MSME units have been established since its inception, generating investments of over ₹65 crore through government subsidy support and credit linkages. These enterprises, mainly in transport services, retail trade, hospitality and small manufacturing, are expected to create more than 1,500 direct employment opportunities across the state.
The Chief Minister also informed that 13 MSME development projects are currently under implementation, while 15 additional projects have been submitted to the Union Ministry of MSME for approval. These projects aim to strengthen industrial infrastructure and promote cluster-based development to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), he said that the target for the financial year 2025–26 is 454 projects, of which 66 have already been sanctioned by banks. Over the past five years, 3,715 beneficiaries have been supported through the scheme.
Rio further mentioned that the state is also implementing programmes such as the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) initiative to enhance MSME competitiveness through capacity building, registration drives and buyer–seller meets. Additionally, he said that the PM Vishwakarma Scheme has received over 25,000 artisan applications, with training and financial assistance being facilitated.
Efforts are also being made to promote cluster-based development and value addition in sectors such as food processing, handicrafts, handloom and agro-based industries, which hold strong potential in the state. The government is also examining provisions to ensure that a certain percentage of government procurement is sourced from indigenous MSME enterprises.
To support traditional weaving communities, Rio informed that the state government is working on establishing a Yarn Bank in Nagaland which will ensure the steady availability of quality yarn at affordable rates, reduce production costs and enable local artisans to maintain consistent output while promoting traditional Naga textile designs in wider markets.
On the skilling front, Chief Minister added that the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM) has enrolled 3,091 candidates in various training programmes as of February 2026. Out of these, 2,365 candidates have completed training, while 495 are currently undergoing training, with further training phases planned to meet the target of skilling 5,000 youth.
The government is also promoting enterprise development in the agriculture and allied sectors, with Nagaland emerging as a strong performer in the Export Preparedness Index 2024, ranking third among small states. Coffee from the state is currently being exported to the UAE, with demand growing from Bahrain, Europe, South Korea, Singapore and Japan. Pineapple and processed king chilli are also being exported to international markets.
While highlighting these developments, Rio acknowledged that MSMEs still faces challenges related to access to credit, bank approvals and market linkages. The state is working with banks, district industries centres and other stakeholders to address these issues and provide timely support to entrepreneurs. He requested the legislatures to encourage the youths in their own constituencies.
Rio concluded by saying that the government will continue to focus on improving the ease of doing business, strengthening financial support systems and promoting innovation to ensure that MSMEs grows into sustainable and competitive enterprises in Nagaland.
(Takumpula, IA)
