Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid a visit to Heirloom Naga located at Sovima on 24 August 2022. Accompanied by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy CM Y Patton and other cabinet ministers and advisors, Sitharaman met the weavers in action and also had a look at the handlooms and handcrafts on display.

Jesmina Zeliang, Founder, Heirloom Naga & Cane Concept, COA member, who is also a member of the Handloom Committee, Ministry of Textiles informed the visiting dignitaries that Heirloom Naga has been working in both the handloom and handicrafts section since 1993 – almost three decades now. It has nurtured, trained and skilled thousands of artisans not only in Nagaland, but also in the neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura over the years. She further said that Heirloom Naga currently provides direct employment to more than 450 home based women weavers and another 300+ male artisans in the handicrafts sector.

Jesmina pointed out that Heirloom Naga till date has exported to as many as 30 countries and is currently processing orders for clients in 12 countries. “Despite several challenges, we have inched our way up and today we are 90% export oriented,” the founder added.