Weavers must adopt new designs to tap bigger markets: MHHDC MD
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26 2026:
Managing Director of Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd (MHHDC) Elangbam Jiten has called upon weavers and artisans to use new designs to produce more attractive and marketable handloom and handicraft products.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the 14-day State Handloom Expo, 2026 (Hathkargha Mela) at Urban Haat, Nilakuthi on Tuesday.
The expo, sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handloom), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and organised by MHHDC, will continue till September 7 with 60 stalls.
Jiten said as per Handloom Weavers Census, Manipur has over 2 lakh weavers, but the actual number may be around 5 lakh as many were left out.
The State is trying to issue identity cards to those without Pahchan cards.
Urging weavers to look beyond local consumption, he said they should participate more in expos outside the State, study consumer preferences and produce accordingly, and maintain standardisation to meet export orders.
He assured assistance from the Directorate and Corporation for participation in national and international expos.
Deputy Director, Weavers' Service Centre Sarbeswar Das and Director, Mutua Museum Mutua Bahadur also attended the event as presidium members.




