Aizawl, May 3, 2026: Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh arrived in Mizoram on Sunday for an official visit focused on reviewing the progress of the state’s sericulture, handloom, and handicraft sectors. The visit is aimed at assessing ongoing development initiatives, interacting with stakeholders, and exploring ways to further strengthen traditional industries that play an important role in Mizoram’s economy and cultural heritage.
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| Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Textiles, meets Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, during his official visit to Aizawl to review the state’s sericulture, handloom and handicraft sectors. |
The Union Minister was received at Lengpui Airport by Chief Minister Lalduhoma and senior officials. Following his arrival, Singh proceeded to Lok Bhavan, where he held a meeting with Governor General (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd.), state government officials, and representatives from various departments involved in textile-related activities.
During the meeting, officials from the Sericulture Department, Cooperation Department, Agriculture Department, Handloom Department, and Handicrafts Department presented detailed reports on ongoing programmes, achievements, challenges, and future plans. Discussions focused on measures to enhance production, improve market access, strengthen value chains, and increase livelihood opportunities for artisans, weavers, and farmers engaged in these sectors.
Officials highlighted the importance of sericulture and handloom activities in generating employment and preserving traditional skills. They also briefed the Union Minister on efforts being undertaken to modernize infrastructure, improve productivity, and promote locally produced textile products within and outside the state.
Later in the day, Giriraj Singh visited Lapar Seri Boutique in Kulikawn and Zozia Silk Emporium in Tlangnuam. During the visits, he interacted with entrepreneurs, artisans, and stakeholders associated with the textile and silk industries. The Minister reviewed locally produced silk and handloom products and discussed opportunities for expanding markets, improving branding, and increasing the visibility of Mizo textile products at the national and international levels.
The interactions provided local entrepreneurs with an opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions regarding the growth of the sector. Stakeholders highlighted issues related to marketing, infrastructure, training, and access to financial support while also showcasing the unique craftsmanship and cultural value of Mizoram’s textile products.
As part of his itinerary, the Union Minister is also scheduled to meet representatives of cooperative federations and interact with leaders and workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during his stay in the state.
On Monday, Singh will continue his review by visiting the Sericulture Farm at Zemabawk, where he is expected to examine ongoing silk production activities and interact with officials and farmers engaged in sericulture. He will also visit the office of ZOHANDCO (Mizoram Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation) to review initiatives aimed at supporting artisans and promoting traditional industries.
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The Minister is further scheduled to interact with local weavers, craftsmen, and experts involved in handloom and handicraft production. These interactions are expected to focus on identifying ways to improve productivity, strengthen skill development programmes, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Before concluding his visit, Singh will visit the Eri Farm at Lengpui, where he will review activities related to Eri silk production, a sector that holds significant potential for employment generation and rural development in Mizoram.
Officials stated that the visit reflects the Central Government’s continued interest in promoting traditional industries in the Northeast and supporting initiatives that contribute to economic development, employment generation, and the preservation of indigenous skills and cultural heritage. The discussions and field visits are expected to help identify opportunities for further strengthening Mizoram’s sericulture, handloom, and handicraft sectors in the years ahead.
