Handicraft

Noney district has a growing cluster of cane and bamboo craft production. Through effective collectivisation in recent years, this sector shows immense potential in serving the district’s economy.

Traditional Crafts (Cane and Bamboo)

In December 2021, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a pilot project in Nagaland to upskill over 4,000 cane and bamboo artisans under the RPL component of PMKVY. “The objective of this initiative is to upskill the local weavers and artisans to enhance their productivity through RPL assessment and certification in traditional handicrafts. The project targets to upskill over 4000 craftsmen and artisans,” the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship stated. A project along similar lines is thus warranted for the Noney district and other bamboo and cane-producing districts like Jiribam and Tengnoupal for upskilling and reskilling artisans in bamboo and cane craft making to enhance their productivity through RPL assessment and certification. The training module must also include sections on marketing and technical knowledge to enhance the competencies of local bamboo and cane artisans.
Potential Knowledge Partners: 1) North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council, 2) Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council, 3) National Skill Development Corporation
Potential Resource Partners: 1) MSDE, 2) NABARD

RNBA also promotes Gaithao Producer Company Limited, an FPC in Noney, in collaboration with NABARD. Financial assistance has been provided to the FPC for four years through the NABARD-Produce Fund. RNBA has handed over the Common Facility Centre and machinery under SFURTI to Gaithao Producer Company Limited. The FPC is working towards promoting cane and bamboo handicraft products through training and capacity building for the youths of Tamenglong and Noney districts, Manipur. Gaithao Producer Company Limited has 480 members- 471 farmers and nine artisans. Formed in 2017, Of the 480 members, 30 are skilled, 55 are semi-skilled, and 395 are unskilled. Anticipated skill training requirements for the FPO are bamboo shoot processing, food products packaging technician, bamboo furniture, and craft making.

RNBA also runs a model school in Noney called the Tazei Public Higher Secondary School. Students at the school are provided training in small business models, marketing locally produced items like making detergent and soaps, and training on design and quality improvement of handicraft produce and food processing. They also impart training to the local SHGs in bookkeeping and financial literacy.