Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Thursday presented an ambitious regional roadmap for transforming the Northeast into a globally competitive hub for handlooms and handicrafts, while highlighting the progress of deliberations of the High-Level Task Force (HLTF) on Handlooms and Handicrafts during the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong.
The Chief Minister emphasized on transformation of the handloom and handicraft sector considering the Northeast’s rich heritage, skilled artisan base and diverse product ecosystem.
Highlighting the region’s strengths, Rio noted that the Northeast is home to more than 16 lakh artisans who continue to preserve centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship.
He pointed out that the region produces nearly the entire quantity of India’s prized Muga silk and a significant share of Eri silk, while also possessing more than 34 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products. The region also has immense potential in natural fibre-based products derived from bamboo, banana, nettle, pineapple leaf, cane and ramie, he added.
The Chief Minister noted that despite these strengths, the sector continues to face challenges including outdated technology, inadequate quality-testing infrastructure, fragmented supply chains and limited access to markets which constrain growth and competitiveness.
Outlining the vision of the task force, Rio said the objective is to build a complete ecosystem that integrates cluster development, skill enhancement, raw material support, Common Facility Centres (CFCs), quality testing mechanisms, sustainability measures and stronger linkages to e-commerce platforms and global markets.
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According to a DIPR update, the roadmap envisions a phased approach beginning with strengthening inputs and infrastructure, followed by scaling up production capabilities and eventually driving value addition, certification traceability and market integration.
He informed that over the next three years, the initiative aims to train more than 50,000 artisans, establish over 30 Common Facility Centres and achieve significant expansion in market access through digital platforms and export-oriented strategies. The programme also targets supporting over 16 lakh artisans across the Northeast, doubling artisan incomes, generating two lakh additional jobs and achieving an export target of Rs 5,000 crore by 2030.
The Chief Minister further stated that implementation would be supported through funding from the Central Government, State Governments and private sector participation under the PPP model, with a proposed outlay of Rs 501.70 crore for targeted state-wise investments focused on infrastructure, innovation, skills and market development.
Highlighting the broader vision, Rio underscored the importance of creating a unified regional identity through the concept of “Brand North East,” aimed at positioning the region’s unique craftsmanship and traditional knowledge systems in domestic and international markets. He said stronger market linkages, strategic partnerships and coordinated institutional support would be essential in building sustainable livelihoods and enhancing global visibility for the region’s handloom and handicraft sector.
The presentation also outlined the establishment of a High-Level Steering Committee on Handlooms and Handicrafts to oversee implementation of recommendations, review progress periodically and ensure coordinated execution across the region.
