Handloom expo starts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 24 2024: A 14 day State handloom expo which will continue till November 6 began today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen at Palace Compound.

The mela is being organised by Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited (MHHDCL) under the sponsorship of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom) of the Ministry of Textiles.

Altogether 60 stalls are being set up at the mela selling a variety of handloom items.

Speaking at the launch function as chief guest, Managing Director of MHHDCL Elangbam Jeeten said that the Government is preparing to provide MUDRA loan to 2000 weavers but weavers who don't enrol in any insurance policy won't get the benefit.

Providing the MUDRA loan will tentatively begin by March 31, 2025, he said while appealing to the weavers to join insurance schemes to take the loan.

Saying that people who are engaged in handloom and textile works must take pride in their profession, Jeeten added that artisans have to work with devotion to promote the handloom and handicraft items of Manipur in the global market.

There are about 4 lakh registered weavers and artisans in Manipur, he said and added that the production of handloom and handloom in Manipur, however, is low despite.

He also appealed to all artisans to take the benefits of different insurance schemes being provided by the Government.

Continuing that the price of handloom items being produced by local weavers including silk saree is expensive and the same is difficult to market, Jeeten added that the weavers and artisans need to focus on selling more of their products by making the price affordable.

He, meanwhile, said that MHHDCL has set up a separate stall at the venue of the expo to sell the handloom and textile items being produced by internally displaced people (IDP) .

He appealed to the people to buy the items being made by IDPs.

Thongam Gunidro, Financial Advisor of the Directorate of Handloom and Textile and Th Basanta, Deputy Director (HL) of Handloom and Textiles also attended the programme.

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