Success of Meghalaya’s woman entrepreneur inspires others

The North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project is a livelihood initiative started by the Government of India’s North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society in collaboration with Rome-based International Fund for Agricultural Development.

NERCORMP has over time proved its efficacy in empowering women in Meghalaya and this is proved by the emergence of Self-Help Groups in the State. A shining example of this project is Yobina Lyngdoh Marshyllong, a resident of Jakhong village in West Khasi Hills, who has become a confident entrepreneur.

Though Marshyllong dreamed of selling her farm produce in the market she did not have the requisite knowledge, training and confidence. All this changed when she joined the SHG formed under NERCORMP in April 2002 called Ka Buit Ka Long Ka Bor which means knowledge is strength. Soon her leadership qualities and managerial skills saw her assume chairmanship of the group.

The SHG led by her addressed the issue of open defecation by building toilet facilities in the village. Its members made the residents aware of the cleanliness and hygiene.

As the SHG’s provided revolving fund, Marshyllong availed of Rs.14,000 from it to open a grocery store in her village. With the passage of time, she continued to upgrade and hone her entrepreneurial skills and soon she started her second shop in Jakhong.

Through the capacity building support received under the project, she sharpened her entrepreneurial skills and further expanded the business, which led to the establishment of her second shop in Jakhong.

These ventures emboldened her and she along with other SHG members started marketing their farm produce and goods in the urban centres of Moirang and Shillong. By selling in the market directly, the SHG members earn Rs.10,000 to 15,000 per day.

The success story of Marshyllong and the SHG has spurred more women to join her and also form more SHGs.