Keeping in mind the problem of unemployment in the State, and to help in income generation for the local weavers, the Orchid Petal was started in 2016, with its proprietor, Zachivelu K. Dolie focusing on marketing for the rural people.

From the rearing of silk worm to the finished products, the works are meticulously carried out by around 30 Naga women, who are engaged in different sections of the process. After the yarn collection, the next step is to colour the yarn with natural dye. Thereafter, the materials are purchased and sent to the weavers, who are from Kohima, Dimapur and Phek districts.

Besides catering to the demand of the local market, the finished products are also exported to some of the metropolitan cities, namely Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai etc. The mekhalas are priced from Rs. 10,000 onwards, mekhala sets from Rs. 15,000 onwards and the shawls from Rs. 2,800 onwards. One can visit Stall No. 2 at the Bamboo Pavilion to purchase the Naga Silk Products, or visit Orchid Petal, APO Building, Main Town Area, Kohima.
 

(Mhonlumi APRO, Nouneseno IA, Tiakumla IA and Takumpula IA)