8 months ago
Weavers’ Service Centre to be set up in Meghalaya
The Union Textiles Minister, Giriraj Singh, announced that a new Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) will be set up in Meghalaya once the state government provides land.
Currently, the northeast has only one such centre in Guwahati.
The minister inaugurated the Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC) in Nongpoh, which will help weavers by providing training, design development, and access to markets.
The government is also working to improve silk production, especially Muga silk, to help farmers increase their income.
Meghalaya's Textiles Minister said the ITTC will empower artisans and make Nongpoh a hub for textile tourism.
The northeast has 52% of India's handlooms, and all textile ministers will meet in Guwahati next month to discuss a textile agenda focused on the region.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh announced a Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) will be set up in Meghalaya once land is allotted by the state government.
The Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC) was inaugurated in Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi district, to provide training, design development, and market access to weavers.
The government is implementing schemes to modernize weaving technologies and promote natural fibres globally, with a focus on the northeast's textile heritage.
Steps are being taken to enhance farmers' income by expanding Muga sericulture, aiming to move from two to three Muga crops per year.
Meghalaya Textiles Minister Metbah Lyngdoh described the ITTC as a transformative project that will empower artisans and position Nongpoh as a textile-tourism hub.
- Who
- Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, Meghalaya Textiles Minister Metbah Lyngdoh, Union minister Pabitra Margherita
- What
- Announcement of a Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) in Meghalaya and inauguration of the Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC)
- Where
- Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya
- When
- December 6, 2023
- Why
- To offer design, technical, and market support to weavers, modernize weaving technologies, and promote natural fibres globally
Key facts
- Location
- Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya
- Announced by
- Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh
- Existing WSC in Northeast
- Guwahati
- Silk varieties in India
- Muga, Tasar, Mulberry, Eri
- Handlooms in Northeast
- 52% of India's total
- Upcoming meeting
- All textile ministers in Guwahati next month
- Project name
- Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC)
- Initiative name
- EKTA Meghalaya
Quotes
Giriraj Singh
Union Textiles Minister
“We discussed moving from two Muga crops to three so farmers can double their income. With best practices, one acre can yield four to five lakh rupees.”
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Metbah Lyngdoh
Meghalaya Textiles Minister
“The centre, to be developed under the North East Regional Textile Promotion Scheme, has been conceived as an artisan hub, living textile museum and innovation space.”
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Frederick Kharkongor
State Principal Secretary (Textiles)
“The facility symbolised Meghalaya’s textile renaissance.”
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