Kohima: Forty local businesses gathered in Dimapur this week. The Department of Industries and Commerce and the Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation hosted a two-day clinic at the Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre. The event, held September 29 to 30, targeted digital and mechanical upgrades for handloom and handicraft sectors.
Day one focused on textiles. Experts taught natural dyeing, sustainable finishing, and quality control. Attendees also learned to use DigiBunai to digitize traditional motifs. This software integrates modern design tools into heritage weaving practices.
Day two shifted to bamboo work and jewelry. Instructors demonstrated 3D printing and additive manufacturing alongside practical bamboo processing. The curriculum covered splitting, slicing, sizing, and utility stick production. The department stated that "access to modern machinery and technology would help local enterprises upgrade production processes and remain competitive in changing markets."
Technical guidance came from experts at the Weaving Service Centre, Naga Feather Pvt Ltd, Kuls Polyethylene Product Unit, and the NHDC. The government organized this training under the RAMP scheme. Backed by the World Bank, this initiative aims to increase credit access and build capacity for small businesses across India.
Updated at 1st October 2026 at 2:03pm
Beyond basic production, the curriculum emphasized market-oriented production and quality standardization to help crafts hit higher price points. The sessions also provided specialized guidance on the support services available through the National Handloom Development Corporation specifically for traditional jewelry artisans.
Organizers stressed that the training aimed to improve overall efficiency and product marketability, moving beyond simple tool use to focus on full-scale value-added manufacturing. The program officially operated under the banner of Digital and Mechanical Interventions in Handloom and Handicraft Processing.
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