In a landmark move to support the Northeast’s rich textile traditions, the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art yarn depot in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative directly empowers local handloom artisans by providing them with access to premium-quality raw materials like Ahimsa Silk and Eri Yarn certified under OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
This new facility is poised to revolutionize the region’s handloom and handicrafts sector by improving production capabilities, ensuring sustainable sourcing, and boosting the economic well-being of tribal and rural communities.
Bringing Quality Yarn to the Doorsteps of Artisans
Traditionally, artisans in remote Northeastern regions have struggled to procure high-quality yarn at reasonable prices. The launch of the NEHHDC yarn depot in Itanagar bridges this gap by supplying:
- Ahimsa Silk (Peace Silk) – harvested without harming silkworms
- OEKO-TEX Certified Eri Yarn – free from harmful substances, eco-friendly
- Cotton and blended yarns – suitable for varied weaving needs
“Weavers can now source premium yarn without middlemen or inflated costs. This step will uplift both their craft and their livelihoods,” said Shri. P.C. Sharma, Managing Director, NEHHDC.
A Sustainable and Ethical Step Forward
One of the standout aspects of this depot is its commitment to sustainability. The OEKO-TEX certification ensures the yarns meet international environmental and safety standards, crucial for artisans interested in export-ready textiles.
Furthermore, Ahimsa Silk production supports cruelty-free sericulture, aligning with growing global demand for ethical fashion.
Boosting Livelihoods in the Handloom Sector
The handloom industry in Arunachal Pradesh and the greater Northeast region is a vital source of income for women, tribal artisans, and marginalized communities. However, poor access to raw materials has long stunted productivity.
With this new yarn depot, weavers will benefit from:
- Lower input costs
- Consistent yarn supply
- Higher output and product quality
- Market linkage support via NEHHDC
The initiative is expected to enhance both productivity and income among handloom workers in and around Itanagar.
Government Backing and Regional Development Goals
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and state government representatives. The initiative is part of the central government’s broader plan to promote “Vocal for Local” and support traditional industries.
It also aligns with goals under the North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) and Skill India Mission, which aim to transform India’s Northeast into a textile and handloom hub.
Strategic Location and Future Plans
The Itanagar depot will act as a central distribution point for other districts in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, NEHHDC plans to set up similar yarn depots in:
- Tawang
- Ziro
- Pasighat
- Bomdila
These hubs will ensure decentralized access and promote regional economic balance across the state.
Voices from the Ground
Local artisans and community weavers have welcomed the depot with enthusiasm.
“Earlier, we had to travel far or pay agents to get yarn. Now we have access right here. It saves us time and money,” said Tani Yapa, a weaver from Naharlagun.
The move also empowers young entrepreneurs and designer collectives who are blending traditional weaving with modern fashion.
A New Chapter for Arunachal’s Artisans
The opening of the NEHHDC yarn depot in Itanagar marks a transformative moment for handloom artisans in Arunachal Pradesh. It symbolizes a shift toward self-reliance, ethical sourcing, and economic empowerment.
As NEHHDC continues to expand its footprint across the Northeast, initiatives like these will ensure that traditional crafts are not only preserved but also thrive in global markets.
READ MORE: Tripura Newborn Tumor Surgery Marks Medical Breakthrough