Outreach Programme Highlights Development Efforts in Northeast
The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. (NEDFI) has disbursed ₹313.61 crore to entrepreneurs in Sikkim, strengthening financial support for MSMEs, startups, and grassroots businesses in the State.
This update was shared during a press interaction held in Guwahati at the NERAMAC headquarters on Tuesday. The event formed part of an outreach programme organised by PIB Guwahati and PIB Gangtok for media representatives from Sikkim, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
Key Institutions Present Their Work
Focus on Projects Across Northeastern States
Officials from NEHHDC, NEDFI, and NERAMAC, all operating under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), briefed the media on their ongoing initiatives and completed projects across the eight Northeastern States.
Each organisation highlighted its role in supporting entrepreneurship, artisans, and agri-based producers in the region.
NEHHDC Supports Artisans and Handloom Sector
Market Access and Quality Testing Facilities
Established in 1977, the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) works to promote traditional handicrafts and handloom products from the Northeast.
In Sikkim, NEHHDC has:
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Helped artisans participate in national-level exhibitions
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Connected local producers with larger markets
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Set up a NABL-accredited textile testing laboratory in Guwahati for international-standard testing of fibre, yarn, and fabrics
Moreover, NEHHDC has introduced digital traceability systems for handloom products to protect authenticity and preserve traditional craftsmanship, according to Namrata Das, Assistant Manager, NEHHDC.
NEDFI Expands Financial Access in Sikkim
Business Facilitation Centres Aid Entrepreneurs
NEDFI has established a strong presence in Sikkim through its branches in Gangtok and Namchi. At these locations, Business Facilitation Centres now assist MSMEs, startups, and local entrepreneurs in securing affordable and timely credit.
So far, ₹313.61 crore has been provided to Sikkim-based entrepreneurs, significantly boosting local business growth.
In addition, a dedicated North East Venture Fund with a ₹100 crore corpus has been created specifically for the region. The fund includes contributions from the Ministry of DoNER, NEDFI, and other financial institutions, said Lemli Noyi, Executive Director, NEDFI.
NERAMAC Boosts Agri-Trade and GI Tag Initiatives
Buyer-Seller Platforms Strengthen Market Links
Representing NERAMAC, Managing Director Bhaskar Baruah said the organisation has been supporting agricultural producers from Sikkim by organising buyer-seller meets.
Key initiatives include:
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15 Sikkim-based crops currently in the process of Geographical Indication (GI) tag applications
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A buyer-seller interaction portal that allows Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to connect directly with buyers across India
These measures aim to improve market access, price discovery, and income opportunities for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Entrepreneurship in the Northeast
Coordinated Efforts Drive Regional Growth
The outreach programme highlighted the coordinated role of central institutions in building a strong ecosystem for entrepreneurship, handicrafts, handlooms, and agriculture in the Northeast.
With continued financial support, market linkages, and digital tools, Sikkim entrepreneurs are set to benefit from sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
