‘La Ketmung’ retail outlet launched in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — A retail initiative aimed at empowering rural women was launched in Mokokchung on Wednesday. The project, named “La Ketmung”, was inaugurated adjacent to Urban Oasis in Arkong, Mokokchung, providing self-help groups (SHGs) with a platform to sell their products and promote women’s economic inclusion in the district.

The outlet, which aggregates and retails goods produced by SHGs and women entrepreneurs of Mokokchung, was opened by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma in the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo and officials from the Rural Development and Agri and allied departments.

Ajay Moktan, IAS probationer and assistant deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, spearheaded the initiative. He secured seed funding of INR 2 lakh from the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie. Moktan explained that the store functions as a mediator rather than a buyer, enabling SHGs to directly showcase and sell their products.

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He said the concept was inspired by interactions with SHGs, who expressed challenges of surplus produce with limited market access. The collaboration was initiated with Mission Shakti and the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM).

The “La Ketmung” store will operate on a self-sustainability model, charging 10 per cent on sales to cover rent and staff salaries. Any surplus revenue will be invested into SHG training and welfare programmes.

“This is about giving our women the tools to thrive; we welcome any products from SHGs and women entrepreneurs,” he said, expressing enthusiasm for the store’s potential to transform livelihoods.

The initiative is expected to benefit SHGs from Kubolong, Chuchuyimlang, Changtongya, Ongpangkong North and Ongpangkong South blocks.