New Ground: Local Entrepreneur’s brick-making enterprise boosts rural economy & employment

February 15, 2024 13 Views No Comment

P Achumse Yingbithongru
Kiphire | February 15

In the heart of rural area where opportunities are scarce, one local entrepreneur is paving the way for economic growth and employment through brick making and inspiring other in village to undertake less taken road to entrepreneurship.

Decades ago, fuelled by a vision and passion for community development, K Tsoinju and his sons initiated the local brick-making endeavour, popularly known as 02Km, situated along the banks of Zunki River under Tethuyo village.

The venture now has turned into a flourishing brick-making enterprise that is reshaping the local landscape.

Humble beginning
Describing his entry into the brick-making venture, Tsoinju recounted that his entrepreneurial journey began several decades ago.

Initially, he worked as a truck driver, managing his own vehicle and engaging in the logging business, occasionally transporting goods between locations, including Kiphire.

The brick-making enterprise started off in 2012.

Presently, the enterprise boasts a production capacity of approximately 2.30-2.50 lakhs bricks annually.

Customers from distant areas such as Pungro and Meluri in the Phek district travel to purchase the bricks manufactured at 02Km.

Along the way, he shared that it was the community and well-wishers who extended help and assistance, both physically and financially, during the infancy stage of his enterprise. Hence, credits the community for the success of his business.

Using locally sourced material
With the commitment to sustainability and innovation, Tsoinju informed that all brick making materials are locally-sourced in order to boost to the rural economy.

For instance, he brings wood cut down for new Jhum cultivation to burn bricks, which would otherwise go to waste.

To produce high-quality bricks and minimise the use of firewood, he mixes coal sourced from Noklak for burning and producing bricks.

Providing employment, inspiration
The impact of Tsoinju and his sons’ brick-making enterprise goes beyond infusing the spirit of entrepreneurship to others in village.

It is providing employment opportunities to resident, particularly to those from marginalised backgrounds.

It is empowering individuals and families to achieve financial stability and upward mobility. Many locals, previously struggling to make ends meet, now have a steady source of income thanks to the brick-making enterprise.

The enterprise has also sparked a spirit of entrepreneurship among residents. Inspired by his success, many are exploring their own business ideas, contributing to the diversification and resilience of the local economy.

Thsenjumong a budding entrepreneur from the village said that with technical assistance and help from Tsoinju and his sons, he would be venturing into brick-making business as raw materials are locally available and more profitable as compared to jhum cultivation.

No alternative to hardwork
Luhimong, the son of Tsoinju who manages the family’s bookkeeping, mentioned that he dropped out of college while pursuing his BA final year at St Joseph College Jakhama to assist his father during the initial challenging days.

He expressed that venturing into the brick-making business has imparted valuable life lessons.

To survive, one must work hard as there is no alternative to hard work for success in life, he opined, adding that hard work instills discipline, dedication, and a deeper appreciation for life.

Everyone will not get government job but if you work hard with a vision there is no dearth of opportunity when one pursue one’s goal with passion and dedication, Luhimong further noted.

He also urged the youths to venture into the field of entrepreneurship to be self-reliant and at the same time create employment opportunity for the community.

Tsoinju and Sons exemplifies the potential of grassroots entrepreneurship to drive rural development and create a brighter future for all. It is not just about bricks, but building a better tomorrow for generations to come.