State Handloom Expo concludes
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 07 2026: The 14-day State Handloom Expo organised by Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (MHHDCL) with support from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India concluded today at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi, Imphal East.

Altogether 60 stalls of handloom and handicrafts had participated since August 25.Speaking at the closing function, MHHDCL Managing Director Elangbam Jeeten said similar products were seen in almost all stalls, raising the question whether there is lack of qualified designers or whether weavers are unable to take their help.

He said Unless designs suited to present times are produced, there is no meaning in MHHDCL procuring them and looking for buyers.

He urged weavers to produce export-worthy products and said the Directorate is keeping its doors open to help them become exporters.

Jeeten said enumeration of the actual number of weavers has started in districts which will help know which district produces more of which product and which craft is exported more.

He said Manipur has around 24 crafts but due to lack of proper documentation, getting GI tag is difficult.

Documentation work is being taken up and public cooperation is sought to research and document so that our own crafts can be claimed as ours and promoted, he added.

On the occasion, a book titled "Handicrafts of Manipur" authored by Mutua Bahadur and Sukumar Haobam under support of Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles was released.

Director of Mutua Museum Mutua Bahadur and RK Premabati of Weaver Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles attended as guests of honour.

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