Arunachal Pradesh Boosts Handloom Sector Over Decade

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced a decade of progress for the state handloom industry on August 7. Government programs currently support 77,600 weavers and 17,016 allied workers. These efforts aim to protect indigenous traditions while expanding market reach. Khandu marked National Handloom Day by touting the growth of local crafts.

Officials have built 88 craft centres across the state. These hubs have trained over 886 people. The state also runs 22 local and nine out-of-state cluster development programs to boost productivity. Digital tools like the Arun Shil platform and a Digital Yarn Depot now help weavers gain official identity and reach new buyers. "Celebrating 10 years of empowering Arunachal Pradesh's weavers, strengthening craft centres across the state, and taking our indigenous handlooms and GI-tagged treasures to the world," Khandu said.

Arunachal now holds 11 Geographical Indication tags. These cover textiles from the Adi, Apatani, Galo, Idu Mishmi, Monpa, Nyishi, Tai Khamti, and Tangsa communities. Monpa handmade paper, Wancho wooden crafts, and local handmade carpets also carry these tags. The Chief Minister emphasized that these items act as the state cultural bedrock. This sector remains a primary source of income for thousands of local families.