Month-long workshop on banana fibre crafts underway in Mokokchung

MOKOKCHUNG — A month-long Design Development Workshop (DDW) on banana fibre crafts began at the District Industries Centre (DIC), Mokokchung, with thirty artisans participating under the Skill Development in Handicrafts Sector scheme of the National Handicrafts Development Programme.

Organised by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, and the Handicrafts Service Centre, Kohima, the workshop runs from June 24 to July 23, offering intensive training on design in banana fibre products.

The workshop was formally inaugurated by DC Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma, who on the occasion said that the training is very relevant in the context of Nagaland, given the abundant availability of banana fibre in the state.

Verma said that this initiative aligns with the state’s ‘One District, One Product’ policy and has the potential to establish Mokokchung as a brand for banana fibre products.

He highlighted the global shift towards eco-friendly alternatives to plastic, noting the rising international demand for banana fibre products. Verma urged artisans to blend Nagaland’s rich indigenous handicraft knowledge with modern design techniques to enhance production and revenue.

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“Consistency in creativity, enhanced skills, innovation, and strong market linkages are the key to success,” he advised.

He also encouraged the exploration of other local raw materials for bulk manufacturing, which could boost the state’s economy. As a pioneering district, Verma said Mokokchung should lead in innovating and modernising products to meet market demands.

Rajib Chandra Roy, Handicraft Promotion Officer from the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Kohima, echoed Verma’s sentiments. He said the marketability of banana fibre products is very high because of their eco-friendly nature. Roy expressed confidence that the artisans would transform their enhanced skills into a lucrative revenue-generating venture for Nagaland.

The workshop aims to equip participants with advanced techniques to create high-quality, marketable banana fibre products, fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.

By leveraging local resources and modern design, the initiative seeks to position Mokokchung as a hub for eco-friendly handicrafts, aligning with both regional traditions and global sustainability trends, said B Asangla, General Manager, DIC Mokokchung, adding that the department plans to link the artisans’ products to bigger market chains if they meet the required standards.

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