Nagaland Chief Minister suggests regulation, organisation of handloom and textile sector

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister on Wednesday proposed the creation of a state-level body for approving and overseeing the use of Naga traditional designs for commercial purposes while ensuring quality control.

Addressing the Inter-departmental meeting on the promotion of Handloom, Textiles, and Naga Designs in the Chief Minister's Residential Complex in Kohima, Rio stressed the need to safeguard and take the Naga culture, traditions, and vibrant traditional attire forward.

He proposed the regulation and organisation of the handloom and textile sector in the state, while highlighting the distinct cultural and traditional designs of Naga attire that have garnered global interest, updated DIPR.

Calling for the establishment of a structured framework to regulate the textile industry in the state, he said the government can facilitate logistical support, expertise through training, and coherent marketing policies.

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]

The CM also acknowledged the importance of aligning with modern demands and adapting products to the market needs while preserving cultural heritage, saying that professionalism is needed to maintain competitiveness in terms of quality and pricing across the nation.

Minister of Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, stressed the importance of training women in the latest weaving technologies for increased mass production, noting the prevalence of imported textile products, including traditional attires, in the state.

She also said that it is necessary to create an environment conducive to creativity.

Also speaking at the meeting, Advisor to Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu highlighted the requirement for a comprehensive textile policy and a digital portal for weavers’ data. She also underscored skill development, infrastructure enhancement for marketing, and collaboration with textile experts.

Chief Secretary J. Alam, echoed the need to preserve cultural heritage and prevent misappropriation, saying that technical support groups and experts were essential for sector development, along with generic branding to protect and promote Nagaland's unique identity.

He also raised concern over low wages for the weaver, suggesting a minimum wage policy.

Chairman of Investments and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, outlined the opportunities in the textile sector and the role of the government in offering technical and logistical support for a competitive global market.

The departments of Women Resource Development and Industries and Commerce presented the current state of the Textile sector before the meeting concluded with an interactive session between the state officials and notable figures from the textile-producing sector in the state, said the update.

Also read: CM Rio underscores lasting peace, prosperity