Centre committed to strengthening textile value chain in Northeast: Giriraj Singh
Shillong, Dec 6 – Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh announced that, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government is determined to boost every part of the textile chain in the Northeast, from raising cocoons to selling products abroad.
During the opening of the Integrated Textile and Tourism Centre (ITTC) in Nongpoh, Meghalaya’s Riba Boi district, Singh highlighted how the region is a proud bastion of Indian textile heritage, home to the famed Muga, Eri and other traditional weaves.
He said the ITTC will act as a single hub for training, design research, silk processing, product diversification and tourism, giving Meghalaya’s artisans access to national and international markets. “The centre will be a one‑stop platform,” he added.
The minister pointed to a suite of schemes that aim to bolster handloom clusters, secure raw materials, modernise weaving gear and promote natural fibres worldwide. He also mentioned fresh moves to lift farmers’ earnings. “We’re looking at moving from two to three Muga crops so farmers can double their income,” he said. “One acre can yield four to five lakh rupees with best practices. The Central Silk Board and the State Sericulture Department will work together to make this a reality.”
Singh underlined the importance of building an ecosystem that unlocks the area’s potential, noting India is the sole producer of Muga, Tasar, Mulberry and Eri silks. “If Meghalaya and the Northeast scale up Muga and Eri, India can become a global leader, especially as other countries turn to synthetics,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s pledge to forge a robust textile and sericulture network in the Northeast and announced a new Weavers’ Service Centre in Meghalaya. “In Guwahati, the centre already offers technical and design support to weavers,” he explained. “Right now we have only one such centre in the region. I will now set up one in every state – starting with Meghalaya, once land is allotted by the state government.”
Focusing on the region’s comparative advantage, Singh expressed confidence that the Northeast could become a major trade hub. “From Guwahati, it takes just one hour to reach natural silk production centres. This is a unique strength,” he added.
He also spoke of a livelihood initiative, stating: “My goal is to connect every weaver to an income of Rs 50,000 per month – this is our ‘Pachlakhia Didi’ model. We have prepared the roadmap and will implement it in Meghalaya with the state government’s support.”
The minister mingled with master weavers and local producers, who welcomed the new facility, saying it will enable better training, material support and market access.
Pabitra Margherita, Textile Minister of State, highlighted how Northeast artisans are gaining visibility on international stages. “At BharatTex recently – one of the largest textile events in the world, more than 200,000 industry stakeholders and 6,000 international buyers participated. On that same stage, a weaver from a remote village in Meghalaya presented their fabric with pride. This is the power of integration and India’s growth story under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he remarked.
He noted that 52 % of India’s handlooms are in the Northeast, making it one of the country’s strongest textile clusters. “All Textile Ministers from across India will convene in Guwahati next month to deliberate on a Northeast‑focused textile development agenda,” he added.
Meghalaya’s Textile Minister, Metbah Lyngdoh, expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Textiles for supporting the state’s aspirations. Describing the ITTC as a “historic and transformative project,” he said, “This centre represents the coming together of tradition, skill and vision for Meghalaya’s cultural and economic future. It will empower artisans, revive our rich silk heritage, and position Nongpoh as a unique destination for textile tourism.”
Lyngdoh added that the ITTC, built under the North East Regional Textile Promotion Scheme, is envisioned as an artisan empowerment hub, a living museum for Ryndia, Eri and Muga silk, a centre for training, design development and product innovation, and a textile‑tourism destination that will directly benefit local communities.
P. Sivakumar, Central Silk Board Member‑Secretary, praised Meghalaya’s traditional silk sector, adding, “Muga and Eri are not just fibres, they are the cultural and economic strengths of this region.” He outlined that the board will provide scientific, technical and commercial support to improve silk production quality and expand market reach. “We reaffirm the Central Silk Board’s commitment to supporting Meghalaya in seed production, rearing capacity, yarn quality enhancement and cluster development,” he concluded.
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