Nagaland hosts first Technology Clinic for Handloom Sector

The inaugural ceremony of the first technology sector for Handloom Sector, organised by Department of Industries and Commerce and Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation (NIDC), under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performances (RAMP) Scheme, was held at NIELIT Dimapur on November 4.

The clinic, themed “Product Diversification with Digital Technology,” aimed to equip local artisans and entrepreneurs with digital skills essential for the evolving handloom industry.
The session was chaired by Er. Keneirienuo T Theunuo, deputy director of Industries & Commerce, with Kvulo Lorin, chairman of NIDC, as special guest.

Lorin, emphasized the value of hands-on learning, highlighting the unique market position of Nagaland’s handloom sector, which sees demand extending beyond state borders. Lorin encouraged the participants to embrace technology for mass production to meet the rising demand while maintaining quality and cost-efficiency.

The event featured three clinics covering essential topics: Clinic 1 focused on digital and Jacquard designing, Clinic 2 on software-based motif development, and Clinic 3 on reviving traditional weaving techniques with modern tools.

The technical sessions were supported by NIELIT Dimapur’s team, and participants received practical experience with CAD/CAM technology on laptops provided for the event. A demonstration of the Digital Jacquard and Digital Embroidery Machines offered insight into advanced methods for creating complex designs.

Expert speakers included Nchumyani Yanthan, a textile designer at NIELIT Dimapur, who introduced digital design technology, and Sarbeswar Das, Officer-in-Charge at the Weavers and Apparel Centre Dimapur, who discussed the role of digital technology in product diversification.

The RAMP initiative, backed by the World Bank and the Government of India, seeks to enhance MSMEs’ access to markets, credit, and capacity-building resources. In Nagaland, this program aims to support the Covid-19 recovery by equipping MSMEs with modern tools and skills. The Technology Clinic offered a practical platform for entrepreneurs to explore solutions to their technical challenges and leverage digital innovation for growth.

Through RAMP, MSMEs across sectors in Nagaland will continue to benefit from technology-driven training, allowing local enterprises to stay competitive and adaptable in a dynamic market environment.