Naga handloom and handicraft is more popular in West Asian countries and is in great demand, said Dimapur DC, Maongwati Aier speaking at the inaugural programme of special handloom expo as chief guest Monday at Dimapur Club ground, Dimapur.
He said the demand for Naga handloom and handicrafts was more even in Middle East and South East Asian countries but the question was “how much can Nagaland produce its handloom and handicraft especially in terms of quality”.
Handloom and handicraft “is the only indigenous industry and is like a backbone of industry in Nagaland” he said while urging the department of handloom and handicrafts to tap women entrepreneurs including educated women having the skill and interest in handloom and handicraft sector.
Highlighting on the Look East Policy of government of India, DC said besides other North East states, Nagaland could invest in South East Asian countries and vice versa for which local artisans needed to produce in terms of thousands and ten thousands to meet their demands. He called upon various agents to help industrialist in the form of funds and subsidies for indigenous industry to flourish.
Lauding the organiser of the expo-Nagaland Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (NHHDC) Ltd, DC expressed hope that with showcasing of indigenous products in the ongoing “colourful exhibition” Naga indigenous products would go a long way in showcasing to the world.
NHHDC, general manager, M. Ringsangbo Zeliang said the department is working towards tapping the skill of the people especially rural artisans while also adding that enhancing and training programme was still required in order to produce finest indigenous products.
To facilitate and to showcase local products, 42 stalls including five from Manipur is open to public for two weeks.
Special handloom expo is being sponsored by office of the development commissioner for handloom ministry of textiles, government of India, New Delhi.
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