Nestled in Ribhoi district, Meghalaya, Nongpoh is a significant centre for producing Eri silk hand-woven textiles, with approximately 2500 households engaged in sericulture and handloom weaving. Despite this vibrant tradition, local artisans encounter challenges such as rising input costs, outdated equipment, limited marketing avenues, and a lack of skill development initiatives.
The State’s unique position as a preferred tourist destination thanks to its excellent natural and cultural heritage a golden opportunity awaits to tap into the tourism market and invigorate the untapped waterfront by promoting crafts. To seize this potential, the Department of Textiles has curated a pioneering textiles tourism project encompassing two pivotal components.
The first, the Centre of Excellence for Ahimsa Silk, aspires to revolutionize silk production. By providing technical support to sericulture farmers, empowering silk weavers with advanced skills, and encouraging design diversification and value addition, this visionary centre aims to enhance productivity and quality.
The second component is the Tourism Complex and Trade Facilitation Centre. A vibrant hub that will foster textiles-based tourism, it will offer an array of essential amenities such as charming traditional-style cottages, enticing restaurants, bustling food courts, well-stocked emporiums, retail shops, and more. Visitors will embark on a captivating journey, witnessing the entire silk production process, from the tender nurturing of cocoons on the farm to the creation of exquisite garments and accessories.
The amalgamation of Meghalaya’s enchanting heritage with the allure of textiles tourism aspires to unveil fresh vistas for local artisans, attract niche tourists seeking authentic experiences, and contribute to the region’s sustainable development. These initiatives by the Department of Textiles are poised to celebrate and preserve Meghalaya’s treasured textile legacy while opening doors to a promising future.
The Launch of Eri Corner at MEG-TEX
To provide a platform for Ryndia products of Meghalaya, the Department of Textiles, Meghalaya, launched the Eri Corner on the 21st of December 2020.
As most of the Eri Silk products are processed and woven at the homes of the local weavers with traditional designs, there are unventured opportunities to refashion these traditional fabrics into luxury products. Designers from the department collaborated with local weavers to create luxury products elevating Ryndia.
The purpose of Eri Corner is to ensure the visibility and availability of Meghalaya’s Eri Silk products providing a market for women weavers
