At the International Women’s Day event in Kohima on March 8, Khetoli Awomi, a 54-year-old entrepreneur from Aichisaghemi Village, Zunheboto district, was awarded ‘Most Enterprising SHG Woman’ under the Non-Farm Livelihoods category.
A Journey of Determination and Growth
Awomi started her entrepreneurial journey in 2019 with the Nikivipu Self-Help Group (SHG) under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM). With an initial investment of ₹5,000, she began small-scale food production and later expanded her business with a ₹50,000 loan from the Community Investment Fund (CIF) in 2021, which she fully repaid in 2022.
Despite having no formal training, she built a successful home-based food processing business, now known as ‘Natural Flavors’, which is registered with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Her products include fruit beverages, roasted soya bean powder, roasted corn powder, and herbal green tea, supplied to markets in Kohima, Dimapur, and other districts.
Empowering Women & Strengthening Communities
Balancing business and family life as a mother of five, Awomi now earns ₹20,000 per month, with annual earnings nearing ₹3 lakh. She has also received a ₹37,000 subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
As a Community Resource Person for Enterprise Promotion (CRP-EP), she mentors other SHGs in food processing, helping women become self-reliant. She provides free business training and has created employment opportunities for fellow SHG members.
Grateful for the support from NSRLM, Awomi sees her award as a motivation to work harder. Her story is a true example of women’s empowerment, inspiring others to pursue financial independence and entrepreneurship.
