Union Minister of State for Railways & Textiles, Darshana Jardosh, who is on a three-day visit to Nagaland, visited Nagaland Women Vocational Training Institute (NWVTI) emporium here on Monday.
Interacting with officials at the emporium and from the ministry of textiles, Jardosh suggested various steps and measures to enhance production and procuring of raw material for the handicrafts and textile producing artisans and units in the State.
While taking note of Nagas using beads in the making of their traditional items, the MoS observed that there was strong need to enhance the supply chain of raw material, which were being sourced from other states.
After taking a look at the finished jute products, Jardosh said there were very good quality jute in the market that could be located and procured in the production of the materials, which were on display.
In this regard, she instructed some of the officials to ensure that the team at the emporium get in touch with the main supplier of high-quality jute in the region.
Further, she observed that with more training for the jute artisans the production, quality and designs would improve. MoS also pointed out that there should be more registered artisans in the State since there would be a good number of artisans who were not registered.
In order to export the produces to other parts of the country and abroad, she suggested that there should be more production. She directed that more training should be imparted to artisans so they would be able to produce according to the international markets.
On the issue of raw materials in the making of various traditional items, Jardosh observed that since most of the raw materials were imported from other states it might hamper mass production.
Therefore, she suggested that artisans should focus more on using locally available raw materials especially silk.
She said wool might be suitable for the people in the State, but it might not be suitable for other parts of the country since people prefer silk and cotton especially because of the warmer weather conditions and better finish.
MoS observed that artisans should also be trained to come up with more designs catering to the need of other parts of the world.
Jardosh disclosed that Centre was soon going to come up with a toy museum for which proposals would be put up during the G20 summit. She instructed the officials to make sure that toys from Nagaland were not left out.
In order to keep the demand and supply chain intact, MoS said that artisans should come up with more variety of designs and products.
Taking a look at the traditional belt made from beads, Jardosh said such products would be good for business and therefore artisans should come up with more colourful designs and variety.
Earlier, MoS also held separate meetings with Nagaland governor, chief minister, BJP president and others. She also visited World War II cemetery and Naga Heritage Village at Kisama.
MoS is scheduled to meet with DC Chümoukedima to review Central government schemes, hold at Dhansiripar, craft village at Diezephe, Heirloom Naga at Sovima before her departure.