Speaker Sharingain launches small cluster development programme in Ungma

UNGMA — The Small Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) 2024-25 was launched by Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer at the Rural Assembly Hall in Ungma, Mokokchung district, on Friday.

Funded by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and implemented by the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, the initiative aims to revive and strengthen the handloom and sericulture sectors, fostering socio-economic growth in Ungma.

In his address, the Speaker reflected on the legacy of his late father, I Nungshizenba Longkumer, who, as minister, started cooperative society and established a weaving centre cluster in Ungma.

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He noted that the centre declined over time due to technological advancements and migration of innovative human resources from Mokokchung. “With every past trial and error, we learn,” he said and presented the SCDP as a continuation of his father’s vision to empower local artisans and weavers in Ungma.

The programme is built to infuse with the previous sericulture cluster project that uplifted livelihoods through eri and muga silk rearing in Ungma. Further, the SCDP aims to revitalise Ungma’s handloom industry by blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices, creating a model for economic self-reliance.

Longkumer also outlined the ambitious vision behind the new initiative. He said, “The sericulture project targets producing four metric tons of eri and muga silk and with the infusion of the new initiative, silk will be processed into yarns for weavers to create high-value fabrics, fetching better market prices.”

He highlighted the focus on traditional approach which is a user-friendly technology and requires minimal training and maintenance, ensuring accessibility for local weavers unlike new technologies like semi-automatic machines which need intensive training.

Longkumer urged weavers to approach the project with commitment, cautioning that, “Registering just for subsidies is the wrong dream. Crafting quality products will mark the success of this initiative and enhance our socio-economic growth.”

Further, he encouraged the weavers to use the resources provided by the project judiciously to maximise benefits, while giving importance to hard work and dedication.

Director of Industries & Commerce, P Tokugha Sema, informed that SCDP is exclusively for Ungma. He also praised the inherent talents of Naga artisans and urged them to leverage their skills through this programme.

He announced that the department would provide loin looms, frame looms, wrapping drums, and solar lights to beneficiaries.

Sema also advised artisans and weavers to register for a PEHCHAN card at the District Industries & Commerce office to access schemes, incentives, and facilities, covered under ‘PEHCHAN.’