Says scheme will ensure affordable yarn for weavers
DIMAPUR, AUG 7 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Friday virtually launched the Chief Minister’s Yarn Bank Scheme, describing it as a major initiative to strengthen Nagaland’s handloom sector by ensuring affordable access to quality raw materials for weavers across the state.
According to a DIPR report, the scheme was launched at the Chief Minister’s Residential Complex, Kohima, on the occasion of the 12th National Handloom Day.
Addressing the programme, Rio said the handloom sector symbolised the identity, culture and resilience of the Naga people, with every traditional textile reflecting the heritage of the state’s tribes. He paid tribute to the state’s weavers, especially women, for preserving Nagaland’s rich weaving tradition.
Rio said limited access to quality natural yarn at affordable prices has long posed a major challenge, forcing weavers to travel long distances and bear high transportation costs.
To address this, he said a Yarn Bank has been established at the District Industries Centre, State Industrial Park, Toluvi, Dimapur, as a centralised facility to supply high-quality natural yarn across the state.
Under the scheme, natural yarns such as cotton, eri silk, muga silk, bamboo fibre and other natural fibre blends will be available at mill-gate prices, with the state government providing a 15% subsidy to eligible weavers.
Rio said the initiative is expected to benefit 5,000-10,000 weavers annually. Eligible beneficiaries holding Yarn Pass Books will be able to procure yarn through a transparent distribution system.
Describing the Yarn Bank as more than a supply mechanism, Rio said it reflected the government’s commitment to reducing production costs, improving productivity and increasing household incomes while preserving Nagaland’s textile heritage. He urged government departments, cooperative societies, self-help groups and community institutions to ensure the benefits reach deserving weavers in every district.
Adviser for industries & commerce Hekani Jakhalu said the Yarn Bank addresses a key challenge faced by the handloom sector by making quality natural yarn affordable and accessible. She thanked the chief minister for sanctioning funds under the Chief Minister’s Innovative Fund (2025-26) for establishing the facility.
Jakhalu said the scheme is being implemented under the National Handloom Development Programme in line with the Ministry of Textiles’ Raw Material Supply Scheme guidelines. Eligible weavers must possess a valid Handloom Mark identity card and register through the designated mobile application, while cooperative societies with at least 10 members will also qualify.
To ensure transparency, she said the department will introduce a real-time digital inventory and subsidy tracking system, third-party audits, district-level monitoring committees, a toll-free helpline and a grievance redressal mechanism.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would improve access to raw materials, enhance productivity and strengthen the livelihoods of thousands of weavers across Nagaland.