A one-day basket-making training was conducted for 63 Self-Help Group (SHG) members from Chukitong, Wokha and Wozhuro blocks by the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Kohima, in collaboration with the NSRLM department on March 2 at Likya Community Hall, Wokha.

The training aimed to promote skill development and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for SHG households. Senior Lecturer, SIRD, Dr Rokosuno led the theoretical session, while practical training was imparted by Neizelieü and Vilazonuo.

During the hands-on session, participants learned to weave durable utility baskets using flat plastic strips.  The baskets are suitable for carrying vegetables, groceries, and other household items.

Trainer, Dr Rokosuno highlighted that while many SHGs are engaged in kitchen gardening and cultivation of vegetables, which are seasonal and perishable, skill-based activities like basket-making provide an additional and reliable income avenue. Trainers emphasized that unlike perishable farm produce, baskets are non-perishable products that can be stored, transported, and sold throughout the year, ensuring a more stable source of income.

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Participants expressed gratitude to NSRLM and SIRD for the initiative. Though the training lasted only a day, they said it equipped them with basic weaving techniques and motivated them to further develop advanced designs and expand their small-scale enterprises in the future. They also appealed for more such skill-based training programmes to strengthen rural entrepreneurship among women SHGs.