Nongpoh (Meghalaya), Dec 6: The Integrated Textile & Tourism Centre (ITTC) at Nongpoh, Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya, was inaugurated by Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, marking a significant milestone in the state’s textile development. The Centre is expected to serve as a platform for training, design development, silk processing, product diversification, and tourism, enabling Meghalaya’s artisans to access national and international opportunities.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the textile value chain in the Northeast region, highlighting the region’s comparative advantage in natural silk production. He announced plans to boost farmers’ income by increasing Muga crop production from two to three crops per year, which could potentially double their income.
A new Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC) will be established in Meghalaya to provide technical and design support to weavers. The government’s goal is to connect every weaver to an income of ₹50,000 per month through the “Pachlakhia Didi” model.
The ITTC is envisioned as an artisan empowerment hub, a living museum for Ryndia, Eri, and Muga silk, and a textile-tourism destination. The Centre is expected to benefit local communities and promote Meghalaya’s rich textile heritage.
The event featured a showcase of traditional Ryndia textiles, celebrating eco-friendly weaving traditions and natural dyeing methods. The Central Silk Board and the Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, organized an exhibition on silk, handloom, handicrafts, jute, and technical textiles, promoting knowledge sharing, innovation, and market linkages.
