In a landmark initiative blending tradition with enterprise, women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Nancowry have launched a new brand—NiCoShe—to market Nicobar’s heritage Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO. The move follows the recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Nicobar’s VCO, recognizing its unique quality and traditional extraction methods.
The District Administration, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), has conducted extensive training sessions across Kamorta, Chowra, and Teressa Islands. These sessions focused on modern techniques for VCO extraction, packaging, hygiene, and branding, while preserving the indigenous methods that define Nicobarese coconut oil.
Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Shri Amit Kale and Assistant Commissioner Shri Aditya Sangotra, the CD Block Nancowry formed a producer group named “Manula Mathai Payuh.” This group aggregates surplus production from SHGs across Nancowry, Campbell Bay, and Car Nicobar, ensuring standardized packaging and coordinated marketing under the NiCoShe brand.
The initiative aims to empower tribal women economically while promoting Nicobar’s cultural heritage. Experts from KVKs have introduced machinery and quality control protocols to help SHGs meet national and international market standards. The brand NiCoShe is expected to serve as a symbol of sustainable livelihood, women’s empowerment, and indigenous pride.
The administration has also outlined plans to integrate NiCoShe into broader agricultural and rural development schemes, positioning it as a flagship product from the Nicobar Islands.
