The ‘Exclusive Handloom Expo’ organised by the Weavers’ Service Centre Dimapur was inaugurated by Director of Industries and Commerce P Tokugha Sema at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur
Share
DIMAPUR — The ‘Exclusive Handloom Expo’ organised by the Weavers’ Service Centre Dimapur was inaugurated by Director of Industries and Commerce P Tokugha Sema here at Hotel Saramati on Tuesday.
The handloom expo, sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will continue for seven days at Hotel Saramati premises.
The expo features 60 stalls from Nagaland, along with participants from Jharkhand, West Bengal, Manipur, and Assam.
Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Tokugha said that they need greater support from the ministry and zonal offices to strengthen the handloom sector in the state.
He noted that Nagaland has around 35,000 weavers as per earlier census data, with the number likely to have increased.
Highlighting the sector’s significance, he said the textile industry is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture, supporting about 4.3 million people nationwide, and contributing nearly 15% of clothing needs.
Also read: Registered factories rise sharply to 12,844 in Nagaland — Economic Survey
He also pointed out that the Weaver Service Centre at Toluvi, Dimapur, plays a key role in providing design support, technical training, welfare schemes, and capacity-building programmes under the Ministry of Textiles.
Tokugha stressed the importance of modern technology adoption and effective marketing to help local weavers access better markets.
Encouraging participants at the ongoing expo, he urged weavers to use the platform to gain exposure, exchange ideas, and showcase the uniqueness of Naga tribal motifs and designs.
He also called for enhanced pension benefits for award-winning artisans, noting that current recipients receive INR 8,000 per month as pension.
Emphasising quality over shortcuts, Tokugha advised weavers to maintain high standards in finishing and craftsmanship.
He lauded the role of women in sustaining the handloom tradition and supporting family livelihoods, urging them to transform their skills into sustainable and commercially viable ventures.
WATCH MORE:
He further encouraged weavers to aim for state and national-level recognition, participate in exhibitions, and continuously improve their products, stating that their work is vital for the state’s economy and cultural identity.
Speaking as guest of honour, Zonal Director of Weaver’s Service Centre, Guwahati, S Bandyopadhyay said that handloom expos play a crucial role in creating forward market linkages for the sector.
He informed that India has around 3.5 million handloom workers, including about 43,000 in Nagaland. He noted that most weavers in the Northeast are traditional or domestic weavers, where weaving is a cultural practice passed down through generations, while a section is engaged commercially.
Highlighting Nagaland’s rich textile heritage, he stated that such expos provide opportunities for weavers to showcase products, exchange ideas, and understand market trends.
Bandyopadhyay stated that over 200 handloom expos are annually held across the country, helping boost visibility and market access.
He also noted that central support is extended through the Ministry of Textiles and agencies like the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, with 29 centres nationwide, including Dimapur.
He emphasised cluster-based development, availability of subsidized raw materials through NHHDC, and technical support across the value chain from raw materials to design and marketing.
While traditional looms like the back-strap loom remain significant, he stressed the need for skill upgrade and design adaptation based on market demand.
He further underlined that handloom products must target appropriate markets, as they cannot compete with cheaper mill-made products in the mass segment. Instead, focusing on niche and premium markets can ensure better returns.
On the occasion, short speeches were also delivered by guest of honour, General Manager of NHHDC LTD., Dimapur, Narola Alemba Jamir and Padmashri recipient, Neihuno Sorhie.