Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, NOV 6 (NPN): The Nagaland Apex Weavers and Artisans Cooperative Federation Ltd. (WEAFED) on Friday inaugurated the “Hathkargha Mela” State Handloom Expo at GK Turf near ADC Court, Dimapur, featuring 60 stalls showcasing a wide range of handloom and handicraft products by artisans from Nagaland and other states.
The 14-day expo aims to provide weavers and artisans with a marketing platform and wider market exposure, enabling them to promote their products and generate income through direct sales.
Commissioner and secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Cooperation Department, and chairman of WEAFED Ltd., Orenthung Lotha, attended the inaugural session as the special guest.
Addressing the participants, Lotha underscored the need for collective efforts to make the expo productive and beneficial for exhibitors. Noting that many participants were experienced artisans who had travelled from different districts and states, he encouraged them to share suggestions on improving sales and strengthening support mechanisms.
He said the objective was not merely to bring artisans together for an exhibition, but to ensure they secured meaningful business opportunities and received adequate returns for their participation.
Lotha pointed out that the Ministry of Textiles was extending financial assistance for such expos and stressed that the investment should translate into tangible benefits for participating artisans.
He said the department and WEAFED remained committed to providing weavers and artisans with platforms and market exposure to help sustain their livelihoods and support their families
. He therefore urged participants to actively share feedback and suggestions so that future exhibitions could be made more effective and sales-oriented.
Meanwhile, WEAFED managing director Gwarungo Khing said the venue was selected with the convenience of outstation participants in mind, particularly in terms of accommodation, food and access to essential facilities such as washrooms.
He explained that while local participants could return home after the event, artisans travelling from other states faced greater challenges in finding accommodation and other necessary amenities.
He added that the location near the futsal ground was also expected to enhance visibility and attract more visitors to the expo.
On the duration of the event, Khing said the exhibition had been scheduled for 14 days. He reiterated that the primary objective was to promote the products of local weavers and visiting artisans while ensuring that the platform fulfilled its intended purpose of creating meaningful business opportunities.