Handloom, handicraft items worth Rs 1.5 to 2 crore sold in three months
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 15 2022: The Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (MHHDCL) has reportedly sold items worth around Rs 1.50 crore to Rs 2 crore in the last three months as the corporation provided plat-forms for the local artisans and weavers to showcase their talents in different National and State level handloom expos.

It is reported that over 740 artisans and weavers from Manipur took part in various expos held at Imphal and other major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Silchar and Agartala since April 2022 and they managed to sell their products worth over Rs 1.5 crore in the past three months.

Speaking to media persons, Managing Director of MHHDCL E Jeeten said that the corporation has been showcasing the products of local artisans and weavers in outlets set up in some States so as to nurture the local talents and improve their socio-economic conditions.

Handloom, handicraft items worth Rs 1.5 to 2 crore sold in three months

He also maintained that the corporation will put up over 1,500 handicraft items for mega sale at its office at Paona Keithel in July.

MHHDCL has organised three National level and seven State level handloom expos in the last three months witnessing a footfall of 2 lakh people.

Saying that many people from other States also applied to open a stall in the exhibitions they organised, Jeeten maintained that MHHDCL gave Rs 15,200 to artisans and weavers who attended in the marketing event as travel expense.

He said that the Manipuri diaspora in Tripura attended the latest expo held at Agartala and they procured "our handloom items" which were sold at reasonable rates.

Saying that the corporation has opened its outlet at Agartala too and also imparted training on Manipur handloom there, Jeeten said that Manipur is also known for its handicraft and many artisans from the State have received Padmashree for their contribution in the field.

He further stated that the most of the mementos given to the distinguished persons who visited the State were crafted by our "artisans" .

The corporation also extended a helping hand to the weavers of Manipur during the peak of Covid pandemic by marketing their products to other States while the items which could not be sold are being kept at Manipur Apparel & Garment Centre.