Omechan: The first of its kind online platform for micro entrepreneurs from Meghalaya launched
In what can be call a first of its kind, an online platform for micro entrepreneurs in Meghalaya was launched today at the Infinity hall, Mooralong, Ladthadlaboh, Jowai.
When the world is almost on a grinding halt and economy of the poor was hit the hardest, there is a few local youths in Jowai rise to the challenge to help protect the livelihood of rural and micro entrepreneurs in Meghalaya.
Omechan, a local online aggregator platform, with tag line ‘Market for everything local’ was launched to on the occasion of 74th Independence Day in the presence of Wailadmiki Shylla MLA of Jowai. The platform’s goal is to give hope to local entrepreneurs who were hit the hardest by the current economic scenario.
“The idea of starting the new business aggregator online platform in Jaintia Hills region came after we noticed how the lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the local and rural economy of artisan, food producer, farmers etc…,” Russel Nongrum the head of Omechan said in his introductory speech. He also added that behind Omechan there is a small group of young motivated people working together to make a difference for themselves, and also to help boost the economy and improve the livelihood of our rural folk.
To start with, firstly, we have worked with micro entrepreneurs with non-perishable products that which will be sold across the nation. As a state we are blessed with the abundance of natural resources and the skills of our local artisans seems second to none. We have already tied up with micro entrepreneurs from pottery to handicraft and weaving sector. It maybe a small initiative, but we glad to have onboard with us food producers with products like cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, pickles and many more to be included in our platform very soon.
The aggregator headed by Russel Nongrum, who have also worked too provide essential commodities via syllad.com/store during the initial stages of lockdown where more than 1000 household were provided with essential good via the platform with a business volume of 6 laks only during the initial lockdown period. The endeavor has also helped him connect with more than 100 farmers from Thadlaskein and Laksein C&RD block of West Jaintia Hills, which eventually lead to the birth of Omechan.
Russel Nongrum is a journalist turned entrepreneur with keen interest in building relationship with local farmers and artisan.
Prior to the launching of the portal, Omechan also organised a one-day workshop on online selling for local entrepreneurs on the 13th of August at District Commerce and Industries Centre, Jowai. In spite of the protocol around 20 local entrepreneurs from handicrafts and handloom attended the workshop. The workshop was jointly organised with Marketing Wire and the office of the District Commerce & Industries Centre.
Waidladmiki Shylla, Legislator from Jowai Assembly Constituency in his speech as a chief guest during the launching of Omechan urged the entrepreneurs to make use of this platform. “Artisans, handicraft, weaver and etc are request to register with Omechan to be able to sell their product online to enhance their income,” said Wailadmiki Shylla.
General Manager District Commerce & Industries Centre Pearlet Toi, who is keen to promote the handicraft and weavers introduce the artisan weavers in the district to the promoter of the e-commerce. He took personal interest to visit the SHGs bad rural micro entrepreneurs who are mostly women and beneficiaries promoted by DCIC to introduce them to the business opportunity.
Secretary Society for Urban Rural Empowerment (SURE) Rev. HH Mohrmen said “The future is online and as entrepreneur should look beyond the traditional market by trying to make use of online avenues available.” He also added that on behalf of SURE, he extended support towards making this endeavour a success.
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