The 14-day Nagaland Handloom Expo, displaying handicrafts and other traditional products, commenced on September 7 at Urban Haat, Dimapur.
A total of 60 exhibitors including handloom cooperative societies, self-help groups (SHGs), individual weavers, and artisans from Nagaland, Assam and neighbouring states, are participating in the expo. The expo is funded by Development Commissioner for Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles, New Delhi, to promote the rich handloom and handicraft traditions of the region.
The expo was inaugurated by Marcofed managing director R. Bendang, who outlined the objectives and significance of the event.
Bendang emphasized that the primary goal of the expo was to offer a platform for weavers, SHGs, and artisans to showcase and sell their products and to their businesses. He pointed out that the event also focuses on enhancing participants’ skills in sales and marketing, crucial for their growth and sustainability in the competitive market.
Bendang further highlighted the various government schemes available to support weavers and artisans, such as financial assistance, training programs, and access to wider markets. However, he emphasized that the success of these initiatives depends largely on the participants’ willingness to take advantage of these opportunities and their commitment to improving their craft and business practices.
Gwaruno Khing, Managing Director of the Nagaland Apex Weavers & Artisans Cooperative Federation (WEAFED) Ltd., Dimapur, underscored the significance of the expo as a unique platform where rural weavers and artisans can bring their products to a broader market. He encouraged more weavers and artisans to register under cooperative societies to access more government facilities and schemes, which can aid in their growth and sustainability.