Mokokchung, 31st August 2026 (Nokinketer News): Two entrepreneurs from Nagaland brought laurels to the state by winning awards at the Ideabaaz Startup Fest 2026, held in association with Film Expo India at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from August 26 to 30.
D. Ledia Awomi was honoured in the Best Cultural Performance category, while entrepreneur L. Chuba Lkr received the Best Aromatic Plant award for his work in the agarwood sector.
The five-day event brought together startups, investors, industry leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing a platform for business pitches, networking, exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions and awards.
Awomi, president of the Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGON), was recognised for curating an ethnic fashion show that showcased Nagaland’s traditional attire and indigenous handloom products.
She said her association with Ideabaaz stemmed from her work with women’s organisations, fashion events and local film productions. Expressing optimism about future collaborations, Awomi said she hoped to promote Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage on larger national platforms. She also acknowledged the support extended by the Nagaland Tourism Department.
Meanwhile, Chuba, proprietor of M/s L.C. Longkumer Agar Processing Unit, was recognised for his contribution to the aromatic plant industry. His family has been associated with agarwood cultivation since the 1960s, while the processing unit for agarwood oil was established in 2016 after he took forward his father’s legacy.
With decades of experience in agarwood cultivation, sourcing, processing and oil distillation, Chuba said he entered the business to ensure fair prices for local growers, protect plantation workers from exploitation and create employment opportunities in the state.
He said Nagaland’s favourable soil and climatic conditions produce premium-quality agarwood oil, known for its high resin content and distinctive sweet fragrance that lasts longer than many other varieties. However, he noted that the reputation of Nagaland’s agarwood has also led to counterfeit products being falsely marketed as originating from the state.
Chuba said most of his customers are from the Middle East and revealed plans to expand his retail presence in international markets, particularly Dubai and Bangkok. He also aims to develop a premium-grade agarwood oil made entirely from 100% Nagaland-grown agarwood, describing the project as one that is “very close to my heart.”
He identified limited distillation capacity in Nagaland as one of the biggest challenges facing the sector and said expanding processing infrastructure would be key to unlocking the state’s full production potential.
Encouraging young entrepreneurs to venture into agarwood cultivation, Chuba said the business requires relatively low annual maintenance after the initial investment. However, he cautioned that producing high-quality agarwood oil is a time-consuming process that demands patience and long-term commitment.
👉 Follow www.nokinketer.in & the Nokinketer Page (Facebook & Instagram) for the latest news, breaking stories, articles, and reliable information updates. For press releases, notifications, articles, advertisements, etc., please WhatsApp 7005638013 or email 📧 us at nokinketer2010@gmail.com & sashimerenjamir@gmail.com.
