HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Feb 4: The Indian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fiber Engineering and Technology and supported by the Central Wool Development Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has organised a week-long Woolen Expo in Guwahati. Besides the oranges, bonfires, and Christmas gifts, one of the enjoyable aspects of the winter chill is the availability of bright and snug woolens in stores, tempting customers to indulge.
Various woolen items, including yarns, winter wear for women, men, and children, as well as carpets, will be showcased by traders and producers from across the country, with a particular focus on the North East. Dr A Sahoo, director, National Research Center for Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan, graced the program as the chief guest and highlighted the main objective of the exhibition: to showcase and promote various woolen products in the markets of the region, encouraging weavers to market their products.
While the North East itself does not produce wool, there is a significant demand for woolen products due to the region’s hilly terrain, resulting in a longer winter duration compared to other parts of India. G S Bhatti, executive director, Central Wool Development Board, explained that states like Meghalaya, Nagaland (especially Kohima), Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim experience an extended winter, justifying the importance of holding the exhibition in this region.
Dr D B Shakyawar, director, ICAR-NINFET, Kolkata, said that the Central Wool Development Board has provided artisans with an opportunity to develop their woolen products, catering to the high demand for raw wool from the weavers. Traditional handloom weaving, a household industry in the North East, incorporates wool alongside other fibers. This expo aims to reduce the middleman’s role in wool purchasing.
G S Bhatti expressed encouragement at the participation from all the North Eastern states. The vote of thanks during the inauguration program was delivered by Ishantor Sobhapandit, regional director – NER, Indian Chamber of Commerce.
