National Conference Charts Roadmap to Revitalize India’s Handloom and Handicrafts Sector

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: The two-day National Conference of Handlooms and Handicrafts concluded in Bhubaneswar on Friday, emerging as a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy formulation to strengthen India’s traditional textile and craft sectors.

The event witnessed active participation from representatives of all States and Union Territories, making it a truly pan-India dialogue on the challenges and opportunities in the handloom and handicrafts ecosystem.

Neelam Shammi Rao, Secretary, Union Ministry of Textiles, appreciated the spirit of cooperation among participants and called for a coordinated approach between States and Central agencies to ensure holistic growth of the sector. She highlighted the need for technology adoption, cluster-based development, and market diversification to secure sustainable livelihoods for artisans and weavers.

“Modern toolkits must be provided to artisans to reduce time, energy, and effort while ensuring better product quality,” Rao said. She emphasized bridging the gap between artisans and the government through designer engagement, digital marketing, and aggressive promotion to revive the sector’s vibrancy.

Delivering the valedictory address, Anu Garg, Development Commissioner of Odisha, underlined the importance of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. She described handlooms and handicrafts as not merely economic assets but as living symbols of India’s cultural heritage.

Calling for greater dignity and welfare for artisans, Garg stressed on infrastructure development, strengthening raw material supply chains, building godowns, and setting up intermediary institutions for training, preservation, and market support. She also proposed creating an annual exhibition calendar and increasing focus on exports to enhance India’s global presence in the craft sector.

The conference also featured deliberations from M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), and Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), who discussed central initiatives aimed at scaling up production, improving market linkages, and promoting exports.

Representing the host State, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, outlined Odisha’s proactive measures in skill development, cluster support, design innovation, digital empowerment, and sustainable livelihood creation. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an enabling ecosystem that nurtures creativity and ensures inclusive growth.

“Odisha stands at the forefront of preserving heritage while opening new global avenues for its weavers and artisans,” she said, reiterating the State’s dedication to revitalizing India’s handloom and handicrafts legacy.