Two entrepreneurs from Nagaland, D. Ledia Awomi and L. Chuba Lkr, won awards at the Ideabaaz Startup Fest 2026, held in association with Film Expo India at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from August 26 to 30. Awomi, president of the Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGON), received the Best Cultural Performance Award for curating an ethnic fashion show that showcased Nagaland’s traditional attire and handlooms. With experience in fashion events, collaborations with women’s organisations and local film productions, she expressed hope that such platforms would help promote Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage through wider collaborations. L. Chuba Lkr, proprietor of M/s L.C. Longkumer Agar Processing Unit, was honoured with the Best Aromatic Plant Award for his work in agarwood oil production. Established in 2016, the unit builds on his family’s decades-long experience in agarwood cultivation and processing. Chuba said his aim is to ensure fair prices for local agarwood, support growers, protect communities from unfair practices and generate employment. He highlighted Nagaland’s favourable soil, water and climate for producing high-quality agarwood oil, known for its distinctive sweet aroma and resinous character, while warning against fraudulent claims regarding the origin of agar oil. With most of his customers based in the Middle East, Chuba plans to expand his retail presence in Dubai and Bangkok and develop a premium oil made entirely from Nagaland-grown agarwood. He also stressed the need to increase distillation capacity in the state to fully utilise its production potential. The recognition of both entrepreneurs highlights Nagaland’s growing potential in cultural enterprise, traditional crafts and value-added aromatic products.
