Technology cannot replace handloom and handicraft charm

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 12

Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution minister, Karam Shyam said the quality and value of handloom and handicraft products will be virtually impossible to be replace by any increased in technology. The minister said this as chief guest during the inaugural function of 3rd Ningol Mela 2017 today at Gandhi Memorial Hall.

He said if qualified youths cooperate with the weavers, the economy of the state can be augmented easily.

People all over the world know the state’s famous handloom and handicraft but our own people fail to take advantage of this brand value to expand their businesses on these products, he lamented.

Our people need to know the value of time and should use it cautiously or else it will be impossible to bring a good society, Shyam further added.

He said the weavers are also facing a big problem in the marketing sector. The handloom and handicraft products continue to sell mostly within the state, though the products have the potential to compete at the global level. Because of the lack of marketing strategies and infrastructures, handloom and handicraft industry continue to remain paralysed and stunted, he added.

The minister said the most important thing in business is to be honest and sincere, and people need to work together and exchange constructive ideas.

Department of handlooms and textiles needs to do a close survey aimed at uplifting the weavers and the department should give awareness to the weavers regarding the schemes available for handlooms and handicraft, Shyam added.

Deputy director (handicrafts) of the directorate of handlooms and textiles, E. Jiten who also spoke at the function, said handloom and handicraft products have great potential for export in the global market, but due to lack of awareness many quality products fail to cross the state boundary.

He further said if the government offers schemes for promoting handloom and handicraft products, it will be easy to export them in the global market. Next to agriculture, handloom and handicraft products are taking a big role in giving valuable contribution to the state’s economy and identity, Jiten added.

Chairman of the Manipur handlooms and handicrafts development corporation, S. Rajen Singh, president of handloom promoters council, Chingtam Luwang also attend the function.

The 3rd Ningol Khudol Mela 2017 opened with 75 stalls of handloom and handicraft but due to sudden rain in the city, costumers were sparse on the first day.