Imphal, October 08 2010: Principal secretary, Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur, O Nabakishore, IAS, has said that the Panthoibi Emporium in New Delhi has been renovated recently, and 35 stalls are available in the Emporium of which space will be provided to those who want to sell and export indigenous handloom and handicraft products there.

The Principal Secretary said this while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the seminar on "Awareness on Handloom Exports" at the Classic Hotel here before noon today.

The seminar was organised by the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), Chennai in association with the Weavers' Society Centre, Imphal.

While O Nabakishore was the chief guest, Director (South Zone), Weavers' Service Centre, Chennai, BB Paul presided over the function and V Tulsidharan, HEPC, Chennai and Retd Director, Weavers' Service Centre, Imphal, H Rajen were the guests of honour, and Asst Director, Weavers' Service Centre, Imphal, R Chatterjee was the programme-in-charge.

Speaking further on the occasion, O Nabakishore lamented that advertisement inviting applications from willing entrepreneurs/ sellers/exporters of handloom and handicraft products for occupying the 35 stalls in the Panthoibi Emporium in New Delhi had been published in four newspapers, but sadly only 11 applications had been received so far.

The monthly rent of a stall is only Rs.7000, the IAS officer said, adding that once the exporters get a foothold in New Delhi to sell their handloom or handicraft products there, it will be a link to exporting the products outside the country.

Therefore local producers/exporters need to come forward to take the opportunity, the Principal Secretary said.

Manipur's Panthoibi Emporium in New Delhi is a popular place for a large number of tourists including foreigners.

The foreign tourists are ready to pay any amount for indigenous handloom or handicraft products of Manipur, which are hugely popular there,he said and cited an example of one tie, made of local traditional tribal cloth in Churachandpur, being sold at ' 1,800 or so.

He also said that handloom is shrinking in other parts of India at present as powerloom is taking over.

But in the North Eastern region, the handloom is thriving and vibrant because of several factors including culture, traditions, social and economy.

This is more so in Manipur.

Every woman in Manipur knows weaving.

If there is demand for export of handloom products, we have to increase the products which in turn will provide employment to many people in Manipur, the IAS officer said.

Director (South Zone), Weavers' Service Centre, Chennai, BB Paul, speaking on ''Techonological Intervention in Cluster Development: the ultimate success for sustainability" pointed out that 50% of the handloom products available in the country's markets come from the North East.

Manipur's handloom products are second to Assam, but they are much better than that of Assam in colour, design, creativity, etc.

The fibre of oak tasar (silk) available in Manipur is the finest, but it is not that popular as it ought to be.

Then there is pineapple fibre which needs to be developed, he said.

All should join hands to make Manipur's handloom products more popular, BB Paul said.

R Chatterjee welcomed the gathering and also gave the keynote address of the seminar.

V Tulsidharan and H Rajen also spoke in connection with the seminar.

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