Kangpokpi: In a landmark initiative to modernize Manipur’s handloom sector, Textiles, Commerce, Industries, and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen distributed technological upgradation materials and lighting units to beneficiaries of the Kangpokpi Mission Veng Small Cluster Development Project.
The event, held at the project’s temporary office in Tumnoupokpi, Kangpokpi district, marked the first-ever distribution of advanced weaving equipment in the region. Organized by the District Handlooms and Textiles Department, the initiative aims to equip traditional weavers with modern tools to boost productivity and efficiency.
Minister Kipgen handed over frame looms, Motorized Pirn Winding Machines, loom accessories, and solar-powered lighting units to local artisans, ensuring that they can continue working even during power outages. She emphasized that the government remains committed to strengthening the handloom industry, a sector that not only preserves Manipur’s indigenous culture but also provides sustainable livelihoods and drives economic growth in Kangpokpi.
“This initiative is not just about distributing equipment; it is about empowering our artisans, preserving our rich tradition of weaving, and ensuring that our local industry competes on a broader scale,” said Kipgen. She encouraged weavers to take advantage of government schemes, skill development programs, and financial assistance to enhance their craftsmanship.
The Kangpokpi Mission Veng Small Cluster Development Project is the first of its kind in the district, and today’s distribution marks a major milestone in the region’s handloom transformation.
Key officials present at the event included Honsanla Thangal, Project Manager of District Handlooms & Textiles; Thangjagin Misao, Kangpokpi Mission Veng SCDP Consortium; and T. Vahneithem Haokip, Cluster Development Executive, along with several local weavers and beneficiaries.
The initiative is expected to improve production capabilities, reduce manual labor, and enhance the earnings of local artisans, bringing new energy into Kangpokpi’s traditional textile industry. Minister Kipgen also assured continued government support for infrastructure development, training programs, and market linkages to further uplift the handloom sector.
As the event concluded, weavers expressed their gratitude for the initiative, recognizing it as a turning point for Kangpokpi’s weaving community. With modernization efforts now in motion, the district stands on the brink of a new era of economic growth and cultural preservation through its thriving handloom industry.
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