From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Sep 30: The famous handloom products of Meghalaya drew Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention for a second time in a month when he showed interest in the indigenous textiles during an exhibition on the occasion of the ongoing “Sankalp Saptaah” programme here at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, here on Saturday.
Modi stopped at the stall which was displaying silk and other handloom products from Meghalaya which for the first time used an Artificial Intelligence device. The device is fitted to products through a QR code when scanned will give details of weavers and material used with other ancillary information.
Modi had stopped at the Meghalaya handloom and handicraft stall after the G-20 meeting in the same venue earlier this month and interacted with the artisans.
The buyers can just scan the code and get all the information through this simple device, Iaishah Rymbai explained to Modi since the PM wanted to know specifically how this device is working.
This device will give traceability and authenticity to the product and will attract buyers in India and the global market and also expose fake products.
The scheme will empower hundreds of handloom weavers of Meghalaya and other states of the Northeast, Rymbai of “Eriweave” told the PM. The initiative which includes 500 handloom weavers of Meghalaya is supported by the Northeastern Handloom and Handicraft Development Cooperation (NEHHDC) under the project titled “Market Development through Digitalization, Authentication, and Traceability Implementation in the Handloom Sector of North Eastern States”.
Rymbai’s “Eriweave” tries to enhance livelihood through Eri culture and handloom weaving and empowering women through capacity building and income generation activities. This also helps in sustainable economic development and preserves the tradition of Eri Silk spinning and organic/natural dyeing using local herbs and plants.
Her unique endeavour aims to empower 10,000 weavers by providing complimentary IoT devices. These devices facilitate the inclusion of QR codes on every NER handloom product, offering authentication and traceability.
NEHHDC develops and promotes indigenous crafts of the region by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and consumers and generating economic, cultural and social opportunities for creators while adding cultural value for consumers. The organisation procures handicrafts and handlooms from artisans and weavers across the region and retails the same through its chain of “Purbashree” Emporia located at Shillong, Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore and a Sales Promotion Office at Chennai.
Moreover, it promotes the products at various national and international markets through exhibitions and trade fairs. The Corporation also conducts training programmes and seminars for skill and knowledge upgradation of the artisans and weavers.