The Government of Assam has officially inaugurated the “Barpeta Hub” — a dedicated platform aimed at empowering local artisans, startups, and indigenous product manufacturers in the Barpeta district and surrounding regions.
The launch event, held with much fanfare, was attended by key state government officials, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various MSME sectors. This initiative is part of Assam’s broader mission to strengthen its local economy, promote self-reliance, and create sustainable employment opportunities through grassroots industrial development.
Read More: Assam Deputy Speaker Dr. Numal Momin Combines Healthcare Review with NDA Campaign in Goalpara
A Boost for Assam’s MSME Sector
Barpeta Hub is envisioned as a comprehensive support center for budding entrepreneurs, especially those working with indigenous products, handloom, handicrafts, agri-businesses, and eco-friendly innovations. The hub will offer infrastructure, marketing assistance, skill development training, and access to funding — all under one roof.
Officials from the state’s Industries and Commerce Department noted that Barpeta Hub will act as a catalyst for the MSME ecosystem in Lower Assam by addressing the challenges faced by small businesses in terms of scalability, market access, and product diversification.
Speaking at the inauguration, a senior state minister remarked,
“Barpeta has always been a hub of cultural richness and craftsmanship. With this new initiative, we aim to give our local talent a national and even global platform. It’s not just a hub — it’s a movement towards ‘Atmanirbhar Assam’.”
Infrastructure and Support Services
Barpeta Hub is equipped with co-working spaces, incubation units, product display galleries, business counseling centers, and digital infrastructure to help entrepreneurs connect with e-commerce platforms and export markets.
Additionally, the hub will provide regular workshops, mentorship sessions, and training programs in collaboration with industry experts and institutions like IIT Guwahati and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). These partnerships are expected to bring technical know-how, innovation, and market trends to local businesses.
Special attention will also be given to women entrepreneurs and tribal artisans, who will receive focused support in branding, packaging, and selling their unique products across digital and offline platforms.
Promoting Indigenous Products and Handicrafts
One of the major goals of the Barpeta Hub is to revive and promote Assam’s indigenous crafts, including Eri silk weaving, bamboo crafts, traditional textiles, and herbal products, which are deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the region.
With the increasing global interest in sustainable and handmade goods, the Assam government believes that Barpeta Hub can play a key role in showcasing these treasures to the world. Plans are already underway to create a dedicated online marketplace that features products developed within the hub.
The hub also aligns with the ‘One District One Product (ODOP)’ initiative, encouraging districts to specialize in select products and gain branding support for enhanced market reach.
Local Entrepreneurs Welcome the Initiative
The response from the local business community has been overwhelmingly positive. Many young entrepreneurs in Barpeta see the hub as a long-awaited opportunity to professionalize their ventures and reach a broader audience.
Sahida Begum, a local weaver, expressed her excitement, saying,
“For years, we worked from our homes with limited exposure. Now, with Barpeta Hub, we can learn, grow, and even sell our products across India. It’s a dream come true.”
Similarly, several agri-tech startups and organic farmers from the region are exploring how the hub can help them package and sell their goods more efficiently.
A New Chapter for Barpeta’s Economic Landscape
The inauguration of Barpeta Hub marks a bold and strategic step toward building a self-reliant and innovation-driven economy in Assam. By combining traditional knowledge with modern business practices, the hub aims to empower MSMEs, uplift indigenous industries, and put Barpeta on the map as a vibrant center for entrepreneurship.
As Assam continues to nurture local talent and tap into its rich cultural heritage, initiatives like Barpeta Hub stand as shining examples of how policy, innovation, and community support can come together to create lasting change.