Imphal: The Manipur government has announced plans to establish a separate Handloom and Handicrafts Department to strengthen the rural economy and support thousands of weavers and artisans across the state, particularly those living in rural and semi-urban areas.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the proposed department on Thursday while inaugurating the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) at Urban Haat in Nilakuthi. The expo, scheduled to continue until November 9, is being held under the theme “Weave for Togetherness: Many Threads, One Manipur” and seeks to bring the state’s diverse textile traditions together on a common platform.
The handloom and handicrafts sectors play an important role in promoting women’s economic independence, with women accounting for more than 70 per cent of the state’s handloom weavers and allied workforce.
Officials highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous art forms and traditional weaving practices, including centuries-old techniques that have received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and cannot be reproduced through automated machinery.
These sectors also offer opportunities for sustainable economic development, as traditional production methods generally require less electricity and capital investment. Their products, including textiles, traditional metalware and woodware, also contribute to international markets and export opportunities.
To strengthen the sector and improve the livelihoods of artisans, the state government is implementing the National Handloom and Handicrafts Development Programmes. The initiatives provide support through raw material subsidies, improved looms, access to credit facilities and social security measures.
The ongoing MANITEX features more than 115 exhibition stalls, including 15 dedicated to the traditional products and crafts of different tribal communities. Several stalls also showcase products made by internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing them with an opportunity to display their skills and reach wider markets.
Visitors can also witness live demonstrations of traditional Thambal and Kihom weaving techniques, offering an insight into the state’s ancestral craftsmanship and textile heritage.
The proposed department is expected to provide a dedicated institutional framework for developing the handloom and handicrafts sectors while supporting artisans, preserving traditional skills and expanding livelihood opportunities across Manipur.