Mizoram Chief Minister calls for national recognition and investment in handloom sector
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has highlighted that the Northeast handloom workforce constitutes nearly 60% of India’s total handloom artisans. This significant statistic underlines the vital role of Northeast India in the country’s traditional weaving industry. Lalduhoma called for greater recognition and support to empower this workforce, which sustains both culture and livelihoods in the region.
The Heartbeat of India’s Handloom Industry
How the Northeast Dominates India’s Handloom Workforce
CM Lalduhoma’s remarks bring attention to an often-overlooked fact: the Northeast handloom workforce is the largest in India, contributing nearly two-thirds of the total national handloom manpower.
States like Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, and Nagaland have long-standing weaving traditions. In many tribal communities, weaving is not only a profession but also a rite of passage, a symbol of identity, and a heritage passed through generations.
“Weaving is not just art in the Northeast—it is survival, dignity, and culture,” Lalduhoma said during the event.
Key Statistics on the Northeast Handloom Workforce
- 60% of India’s handloom workers hail from Northeast India
- The sector is female-dominated, with women comprising nearly 80% of the weavers
- The region produces over 20% of India’s handwoven textiles, including intricate tribal patterns and eco-friendly materials
- Most workers are from rural or semi-rural communities and depend on handloom as their primary source of income
According to the Ministry of Textiles, Mizoram alone houses over 1.5 lakh active weavers, many of whom belong to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or traditional clan-based networks.
Challenges Faced by Weavers in the Northeast
Lack of Infrastructure, Marketing & Government Support
Despite their massive contribution, the Northeast handloom workforce continues to face major challenges:
- Limited market access beyond local regions
- Lack of modern tools and training
- Inadequate financial support or subsidies
- Middlemen exploitation, reducing weavers’ profit margins
- Low recognition in national textile policies
CM Lalduhoma stressed that these issues must be addressed urgently. “It is time for India to not just celebrate handloom on social media, but to support it on the ground,” he urged.
For insights into handloom schemes, check the National Handloom Development Programme.
Government Support & Local Initiatives
Mizoram’s Push for Artisan Empowerment
Mizoram has launched several state-level initiatives to support its artisans, such as:
- Skill development programs for young weavers
- Partnerships with e-commerce platforms to sell handloom products globally
- Establishment of Common Facility Centers (CFCs) to improve production efficiency
- Encouragement of cluster-based handloom villages for shared growth
CM Lalduhoma also proposed a regional handloom summit involving all Northeastern states to strategize on exports, branding, and innovation.
Why India Needs to Invest in the Northeast Handloom Workforce
Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Growth
The Northeast handloom workforce is not only vital for economic growth but also essential to preserving India’s intangible heritage. Weaves from the region reflect ancient customs, local stories, and sustainable practices like natural dyeing and organic yarn production.
With a rising demand for ethical fashion and sustainable textiles globally, the Northeast’s handloom sector could emerge as a global export hub—if empowered properly.
“The future of handloom in India lies in the East,” Lalduhoma said, calling for increased budget allocation and national awards for tribal weavers.
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As highlighted by Mizoram CM Lalduhoma, the Northeast handloom workforce is not only the backbone of India’s textile industry but also a living archive of tradition, craftsmanship, and resilience. It’s time India gives these unsung heroes the spotlight and support they deserve.
Let the threads of tradition also become the threads of transformation.