Manipur banks on development of handloom & handicrafts

Imphal, June 05: It is imperative to develop handloom and handicraft industries in Manipur as the state lacks fully developed industries, said Govindas Konthoujam, Minister of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur.

Speaking at the State Handicrafts Awards ceremony organized by the Commerce and Industries Department at the Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Porompat, the Minister said that handloom and handicrafts are the major contributors to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He cautioned that if the domestic handloom and handicraft industry is not developed and if it fails to keep pace with the changing trend, the indigenous art, rather the whole handloom and handicraft industry would not survive.

The Minister advised that the people of the state should try to make the most of India’s Look East Policy and introduction of railways in the state.

Further, stressing on the need to create more demand for handloom and handicraft items of the state, Mr. Konthoujam said that while bestowing the products with a cultural and traditional touch, scientific technologies should be brought to work, and a marketing platform should also be developed for these products.

Also, he called upon the people at large and concerned authorities in the state to encourage the artisans, stating that in absence of encouragement and promotional efforts like organizing fairs where artisans can exhibit their goods and earn recognition, the interest of artisans in pursuing the art is bound to wane.

Mr. O Nabakishore, Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries, said that following development of the state handloom and handicraft industry, large number of people have become engaged in the industry, which has greatly addressed the unemployment issue in the state to a great extent.

In view of great demand for state’s handloom and handicraft items among foreign visitors, he suggested that the local artisans should form an association to fully exploit all the benefits that the Central as well as the state governments are extending to them for promotion of their products.

(Courtesy: Fibre2fashion)