Aizawl, September 24, 2025: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday participated in an online meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Handloom and Handicrafts, a key initiative aimed at strengthening the traditional crafts sector and promoting sustainable livelihoods across the Northeast. The meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
The virtual meeting brought together representatives from northeastern states, senior government officials, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for the growth and modernization of the handloom and handicrafts sector, which plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and generating employment in the region.
Accompanying the Chief Minister during the meeting were Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, Commissioner & Secretary to the Chief Minister Vanlaldina Fanai, and Director of Commerce & Industries H. Lianzela, who also participated in the discussions.
During the deliberations, Chief Minister Lalduhoma highlighted Mizoram’s efforts to strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector by identifying potential areas and clusters suitable for industry development. He emphasized the importance of adopting a structured and sustainable approach to enhance production, improve market access, and create more livelihood opportunities for artisans.
The Chief Minister outlined four major focus areas that Mizoram considers essential for the growth of the sector. These include the establishment of cluster-based development initiatives in rural areas, enabling artisans to work collectively and benefit from shared resources and infrastructure. He also stressed the need to leverage e-commerce platforms to help local artisans reach national and international markets.
In addition, Lalduhoma advocated for the creation of dedicated support institutions for artisans, which would provide training, design development, marketing assistance, and access to financial resources. He further underscored the importance of strengthening inter-state and central collaboration mechanisms to facilitate knowledge sharing, policy coordination, and resource mobilization for the sector.
The meeting focused on preparing a comprehensive roadmap for the development of handloom and handicrafts across the Northeast. Each participating state and task force member was tasked with formulating actionable plans and recommendations tailored to their respective regions. These reports will subsequently be submitted to the Ministry of DoNER for further review and coordinated implementation.
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Officials noted that the initiative represents a significant step toward empowering artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and creating sustainable economic opportunities in rural areas. The proposed roadmap is also expected to enhance the visibility of northeastern handloom and handicraft products, strengthen value chains, and position the region as a leading hub for indigenous textiles, crafts, and cultural industries.
The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of the northeastern states to work collectively in promoting the handloom and handicrafts sector as a driver of inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and rural development.
