National Handloom Expo held at Imphal

Imphal, Apr 6 (ANI): A national level handloom expo was recently organized in Manipur to promote the handloom traditions of the northeast and create a wider market for the weavers.

More than 60 weaving units, self help groups and NGO's showcased their products at the expo.

There were several participants from the northeastern states as well.

The products showcased included bags, shawls of unique designs, rich colours and traditions of the region.

Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, organized the two- weeklong expo to provide artisans a bigger marketing platform.

"It is a good opportunity for the handloom weavers to expose their products and skills. We hope that people of Imphal will very much like this and will be very interested to buying these materials," said Kumur Ravindra, Assistant Director, Weavers Service Centre.

"I like coming here. I got to know more about the market and how things work. I learnt more about the competition, marketing and customer needs and satisfaction," said Damayenti Devi, a weaver.

The government has been making all possible efforts to promote the artisans and their products. It also organized a seminar to raise awareness among weavers and associated units about skill development programs and government schemes available in the region.

"There is so much richness in the art of weavers and we will see that all are involved in the development of skill development program and benefit from it," said D S Poonia, Chief Secretary, Manipur.After agriculture, handloom and handicraft is the most common profession in the northeast. Livelihoods of more than 3.5 lakh people depend on it and it is also a major source of revenue for the state. (ANI)