Newmai News Network
Imphal | July 11
The Commerce & Industries Department, government of Manipur has said handloom continues to be the fast growing industry of the state which has a record number of loom workers.
Officials of the department were speaking during a conference held at the DIPR office which has been holding a series of conferences of heads and officials of various government departments in the past few days.
They said handloom industry which is the largest cottage industry in the state has been playing a vital role in boosting the state economy. It has become a fast growing industry in the state, adding the handloom sector has gradually grown to the satisfactory level, they added.
Over 1.90 lakh looms are carrying out production activities across the state, according to a 209-10 report. One of the special features of handloom industry in Manipur is that the women are the only weavers.
The Northeast has contributed more that 50 percent of handloom products of the country. Manipur enjoys a distinct place among the handloom zones in India.
Credit facilities have been providing to the weavers by the government under Deen Dayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojna and Integrated Handloom Development Scheme to over 18,272 weavers in the state. Work-sheds for over 17,042 weavers have also been constructed so far.
It is believed that Chitnu Tamitnu, a goddess, discovered the cotton and she also produced the yarn. When the threads are ready for weaving she arranged the required equipment and constructed the ‘Sinnaishang’ (work shed).
It is also believed that the goddess Panthoibee once saw a spider producing fine threads and making cowebs and from it she found the idea of weaving and thus started weaving in Manipur.
Most of the weavers who are famous for their skill and intricate designing are from Wangkhei, Bamon Kampu, Kongba, Khongman, Utlou etc. in respect of fine silk items.
The rest of the villages of the state producing all varieties of fabrics. Tribal shawls are all varieties of fabrics. Tribal shawls with exotic designs and motifs are the products of five hill districts of the state. Fabrics and Shawls of Manipur are in great demand in the national and international market.
Now, the major handloom production activities are undertaken by three government organisations namely Manipur Development Society, Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation and Manipur State Handloom Wavers Cooperative Society.
