Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton has officially launched a 90-day statewide campaign to promote local products, indigenous crafts, and homegrown entrepreneurship under the banner of “My Product, My Pride.” The initiative, unveiled on October 6, 2025, in Kohima, aims to empower artisans, farmers, and small businesses by creating market linkages, enhancing visibility, and fostering pride in Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.
Addressing a packed gathering at the State Convention Centre, Patton said the campaign is part of the government’s broader vision to build a self-reliant economy rooted in local identity. “Nagaland is blessed with talent, tradition, and creativity. This campaign is about giving our people the platform they deserve to showcase their products to the world,” he said.
The 90-day campaign will run until January 5, 2026, and will include district-level exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, digital showcases, and training workshops. The campaign is being coordinated by the Department of Industries and Commerce in collaboration with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Startup Nagaland, and local chambers of commerce.
My Product, My Pride – Campaign Structure and Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities | Target Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Awareness | Oct 6–Oct 31, 2025 | Launch events, media outreach, school drives | Artisans, students, local influencers |
| Phase 2: Engagement | Nov 1–Dec 10, 2025 | Exhibitions, workshops, buyer meets | MSMEs, SHGs, tribal entrepreneurs |
| Phase 3: Market Linkage | Dec 11–Jan 5, 2026 | E-commerce onboarding, export facilitation | Export-ready producers, digital startups |
The campaign will spotlight products ranging from handwoven textiles, bamboo crafts, organic spices, tribal jewelry, and fermented foods to locally brewed beverages and eco-friendly packaging. Each district will host a “Local Product Day” to celebrate its unique offerings, with curated stalls and live demonstrations.
Patton emphasized that the campaign is not just about commerce but about cultural revival. “We want our youth to see value in their roots. Every shawl, every spice, every carving tells a story. This campaign is about preserving those stories while creating livelihoods,” he said.
Nagaland Local Product Categories – Focus Areas
| Product Category | Examples | Districts with High Output | Export Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handicrafts | Bamboo baskets, wood carvings | Tuensang, Mon, Phek | Moderate to high |
| Textiles | Loin loom shawls, tribal motifs | Kohima, Zunheboto, Wokha | High |
| Agro Products | Naga chili, turmeric, ginger | Dimapur, Mokokchung, Longleng | High |
| Processed Foods | Pickles, smoked meats, fermented soy | Peren, Kiphire, Noklak | Moderate |
| Natural Cosmetics | Herbal oils, soaps, beeswax balms | Wokha, Phek | Emerging |
The campaign also integrates digital tools to expand reach. A dedicated microsite and mobile app will allow producers to register, showcase their products, and receive mentorship. The government is partnering with e-commerce platforms like GeM, ONDC, and regional startups to onboard verified sellers.
To ensure inclusivity, special focus is being given to women-led self-help groups (SHGs), tribal cooperatives, and youth entrepreneurs. The NSRLM has mobilized over 1,200 SHGs to participate in the campaign, with training sessions on branding, packaging, and pricing.
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs – Campaign Support Mechanisms
| Support Type | Description | Implementing Agency | Beneficiary Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skill Training | Branding, digital marketing, quality control | NSRLM, Startup Nagaland | SHGs, youth entrepreneurs |
| Financial Linkage | Credit facilitation, subsidy schemes | Department of Industries | MSMEs, tribal cooperatives |
| Market Access | Exhibitions, online platforms | Commerce Dept, ONDC | Verified producers |
| Export Facilitation | Packaging standards, buyer connect | NEHHDC, APEDA | Export-ready units |
The campaign has received praise from local leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society groups. Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) President K. L. Chishi said, “This is a timely intervention. Our local producers need visibility, and this campaign gives them the tools to scale.”
Social media platforms have seen a surge in engagement around the campaign, with hashtags like #MyProductMyPride, #NagalandLocalFirst, and #MadeInNagaland trending across Twitter/X, Instagram, and YouTube. Influencers and content creators are being roped in to amplify the campaign’s reach through reels, product reviews, and storytelling.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Nagaland’s Local Product Campaign
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 84% positive | #MyProductMyPride #NagalandLocalFirst |
| 1.1M interactions | 88% supportive | #MadeInNagaland #TribalCraftRevival | |
| 950K views | 80% optimistic | #LocalPrideCampaign #NagalandMarkets | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 82% informative | #NagalandProductExplained #CraftStories |
Experts say the campaign could serve as a model for other Northeastern states looking to build self-reliant economies through cultural commerce. “Nagaland is showing how local identity can be an economic asset. This campaign blends tradition with technology,” said Dr. Ranjana Baruah, economist and Northeast development expert.
The government is also planning to publish a post-campaign impact report in early February 2026, detailing metrics such as producer income growth, product visibility, and market expansion. The report will guide future interventions under the “Vocal for Local” mission.
Campaign Impact Metrics – Evaluation Framework
| Metric Category | Indicator | Target Outcome by Jan 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Producer Participation | Number of registered local producers | 10,000+ |
| Income Growth | Average monthly income increase | 25–30% uplift |
| Market Expansion | New buyer linkages, online orders | 50,000+ transactions |
| Skill Development | Number of trained entrepreneurs | 5,000+ |
| Export Readiness | Products meeting export standards | 500+ SKUs |
In conclusion, Nagaland’s 90-day campaign to promote local products marks a bold and culturally rooted step toward economic empowerment. By blending tradition, technology, and entrepreneurship, the initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods, revive indigenous crafts, and position Nagaland as a hub of authentic, high-quality local goods. As the campaign unfolds, it promises to redefine how local pride translates into global opportunity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified campaign data, and expert commentary. It does not constitute commercial endorsement or investment advice. Readers are advised to follow updates from the Nagaland Department of Industries and official campaign portals for accurate information.
