Manipur's handloom & handicrafts export expected to surge: MHHDC MD
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 17 2026: Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (MHHDC Ltd) Managing Director Elangbam Jeeten has said the export value of handloom and handicraft products made by the State's weavers and artisans is expected to increase significantly from this year onwards.

He was speaking as chief guest at the closing function of the 14-day State Handloom Expo (Hathkargha Mela) held at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal East on Friday.

The expo was sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and organised by MHHDC Ltd.

Jeeten said there is strong hope that the State's export figures will rise this year as direct export orders for Manipur's handloom and handicraft products have started coming in from the US, Japan and Sri Lanka.

The order from the US has already been confirmed.

He noted that India has set a target to export handloom and handicraft products worth US$100 billion by 2030 .

"If Manipur plays its full role in this national target, it can give a major boost to the State's economy", he added.

Highlighting the challenges faced earlier, the MD said that although Manipur has around 2 lakh weavers and artisans producing diverse handloom and handicraft products for national and international markets, export value remained low in the past.

The main reason was that products were exported indirectly, with weavers and artisans only receiving labour and raw material costs.

To address this, the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles has started plugging loopholes and taking up initiatives to increase exports.

As a first step, work has begun to directly export value-added products featuring Kauna and Leirung motifs to the US, Japan and Sri Lanka.

"Work is underway in close coordination with weavers, artisans and entrepreneurs of the State.

The Directorate has already identified 12 potential exporters and is grooming 37 more", Jeeten said.

He appealed to NGOs, societies and entrepreneurs interested in becoming exporters to approach the Directorate for support.

Senior Weaver of Weaver Service Centre, Porompat A Shenthil Kumar presided over the function.

State Awardees RK Sharda and Sobita attended as guests of honour.

Many weavers and artisans who put up stalls also took part.

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