To empower local entrepreneurs and preserve Assam’s indigenous craftsmanship, the Government of Assam inaugurated the much-anticipated “Barpeta Hub” on Thursday. Located at the Industrial Estate in Sonkuchi, Barpeta Town, the facility marks a new chapter in the region’s economic and cultural development. The initiative aims to provide a robust platform for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive while highlighting the rich tradition of local artisans.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led the inauguration ceremony, underlining the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and indigenous industries. He stated that the Barpeta Hub is not just a business space but a symbol of Assam’s growing determination to merge economic progress with cultural pride. The state government envisions the hub as a launchpad for local producers, craftsmen, and startups to scale up their businesses, reach new markets, and gain national visibility.
The Barpeta Hub brings together state-of-the-art infrastructure with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and economic self-reliance. It includes manufacturing units, skill development centers, co-working spaces, marketing facilities, and exhibition zones for showcasing local products. The government designed the facility to foster collaboration among traditional artisans, modern entrepreneurs, and emerging startups. The hub will also serve as an incubation center for MSMEs, offering mentorship, training, and financial guidance to help them innovate and grow.
Officials from the Industries and Commerce Department emphasized that the Barpeta Hub will particularly benefit women-led enterprises and rural artisans. The focus remains on enhancing the production and marketing of handloom, handicrafts, and agro-based products that define Assam’s cultural identity. By integrating technology and traditional knowledge, the hub aims to bridge the gap between local producers and mainstream markets.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this initiative would lead to the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region. He added that the government would ensure sustained support in terms of policy, infrastructure, and financing so that the MSME sector continues to grow and generate employment. The administration also plans to host regular exhibitions and buyer-seller meets at the Barpeta Hub to connect local producers with national and international buyers.
Local entrepreneurs and artisans welcomed the inauguration with enthusiasm, calling it a long-awaited opportunity to showcase their skills and grow their businesses. Several spoke of the challenges they faced in accessing markets and how the hub’s centralized facilities would ease logistics, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness. The event also witnessed live demonstrations by weavers, potters, and bamboo artisans, offering a glimpse into the potential the hub seeks to unlock.
The government has aligned the Barpeta Hub with the “One District One Product” (ODOP) scheme, which promotes unique local products from each district. Barpeta’s focus will remain on traditional handloom textiles, bamboo items, and ethnic food products that have long represented the district’s cultural wealth. Through digital promotion and e-commerce support, the hub will help these products gain recognition beyond Assam.
The Chief Minister urged the youth to come forward and embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path. He said that the Barpeta Hub is a testament to what can be achieved when policy meets purpose and when the state invests in its people. He encouraged schools, colleges, and training institutes to visit the hub and inspire the next generation of business leaders and artisans.
With the inauguration of the Barpeta Hub, Assam has taken a concrete step toward sustainable rural development and cultural preservation. The project stands as a model for other districts aiming to combine heritage with innovation. As the hub begins its operations, stakeholders hope it will ignite a new wave of economic energy across Barpeta and beyond, ensuring that local voices and traditional skills find a lasting place in India’s growth story.
