ITANAGAR, Aug. 7: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday said the state government has spent the past decade strengthening the handloom sector, empowering more than 77,000 weavers while preserving the state’s cultural heritage through skill development, digital initiatives and market expansion.
Extending greetings on National Handloom Day, Khandu said sustained government efforts have helped Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous handlooms and GI-tagged products gain wider recognition.
Describing handloom and handicrafts as a cornerstone of the state’s cultural identity, he said the sector serves not only as a source of livelihood but also as a reflection of the traditions of Arunachal Pradesh’s indigenous communities.
According to the Chief Minister, the state has 77,600 handloom weavers and 17,016 allied workers engaged in preserving and promoting traditional crafts. He said 88 craft centres have been established, where more than 886 trainees have received training, while 22 cluster development programmes and nine out-of-state cluster initiatives are being implemented to improve skills, productivity and market access.
Khandu also highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s 11 Geographical Indication (GI)-registered products, including traditional textiles of the Adi, Apatani, Galo, Idu Mishmi, Monpa, Nyishi, Tai Khamti and Tangsa communities, as well as Monpa handmade paper, Wancho wooden craft and handmade carpets.
He said digital initiatives such as Arun Shil, the Digital Yarn Depot, the Integrated Department Portal and a dedicated departmental website have been introduced to provide weavers with easier access to government services and improved market opportunities.
Khandu said the handloom sector continues to preserve Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural legacy while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for thousands of families.
