Popularisation of handloom products mooted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 20 2011:
Directorate of Commerce and Industries organised a one-day awareness programme on powerloom weaving in Manipur at Sericulture Department, Sangaipat today.
Principal Secretary of Commerce and Industries, Sericulture, O Nabakishore Singh and Chairman of Powerloom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEPC), Mumbai, Bharat Chajjer were the chief guest and president of the function respectively.
NE Co-ordinator of PDEPC, Ranjima Baruah, Commerce and Industries Director V Dualthang and Director of Sericulture H Ginjamang Simte were also present.
Speaking at the function, Bharat Chajjer emphasised on the need to promote handloom products as its popularity has come down considerably all over the country.
Saying that NE India is the region where handloom products are still maintaining its charm, Bharat Chajjer observed that weavers must use powerlooms.
However, he added, the State Govts must be fully committed to provide regular power supply without which operation of powerlooms is not possible.
He also said that the Government must focus on youth workforce to enhance production and popularity.
Ranjima Baruah said that the council is targeting to set up 500 powerloom units in the region.
Ranjima added that NE States have 413 powerlooms, out which 400 are in Assam, six in Mizoram, four in Tripura and two in Manipur.
Four powerlooms would be installed in Meghalaya soon, Ranjima added.
O Nabakishore while speaking at the function said, the State Govt is planning to set up a textile park at Loitang Khunou spinning mill area.
He also noted that the weavers are needed to be equipped with power-looms in order to reap benefits from textile industry.
Dr Nabakishore added that North East Industrial Investment Promotion Policy provides 30 percent subsidy to weavers and entrepreneurs under Central Govt scheme to procure machines and looms.