New Delhi, October 8: The three-day National Conclave on “Weaving India Together: Natural Fibres, Innovation and Livelihoods from the North East and Beyond” concluded here with a strong emphasis on linking traditional fibre crafts with innovation, entrepreneurship, and market development.
Organised with a focus on the North East, the event brought together over 300 participants from 31 institutions across 19 states, including farmers, artisans, researchers, and policymakers. The conclave aimed to promote the use of natural fibres as a sustainable alternative to synthetic textiles and strengthen rural livelihoods dependent on fibre-based industries.
Nine farmers from Meghalaya and representatives from 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under seven ATARIs participated in the event. Four progressive farmers from the Garo Hills — Jason A. Sangma, Jabathseng Ch. Marak, Philipson T. Sangma, and Halbingstone Ch. Marak — were felicitated for their contributions to natural fibre farming and promoting eco-friendly livelihoods.
The Artisan Showcase Pavilion, which featured 29 artisans from the seven North Eastern states and other regions including Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Gujarat, emerged as one of the highlights of the conclave. The pavilion recorded sales of over ₹6 lakh in two days, with artisans reporting strong interest from buyers and design collaborators.
A special interaction session between artisans, weavers, and policymakers was held on the final day, attended by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who underscored the government’s support for expanding value chains in the natural fibre sector. “Our farmers and weavers are the custodians of India’s sustainable textile heritage. We are committed to supporting them through value addition and better market linkages,” Chouhan said.
Adding a contemporary dimension to the conclave, a student-led fashion show showcased garments made from nine natural fibres — including lotus, banana, pineapple, cotton, and eri silk — and traditional attire representing 14 ethnic communities of the North East. Several of the designs were identified by industry experts as having market potential in sustainable fashion.
The conclave featured three technical sessions, five panel discussions, and 74 research presentations exploring heritage-based modernity, sustainability in the farm-family ecosystem, and innovations for the natural fibre industry.
In his concluding address, Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, said the event reflected India’s growing strength in the natural fibre sector.
“We are realising the Prime Minister’s vision — from farm to fibre, factory to fashion, and finally to foreign markets,” he said. “The agriculture and textile ministries must work hand in hand, as farmers are at the heart of fibre production.”
The conclave ended with the presentation of the event report and cultural honours, including a traditional Garo jacket and a handcrafted Borang (treehouse model) presented to the Chief Guest.
Participants described the conclave as an important step toward integrating traditional fibre knowledge with modern markets and technologies.
Also Read: Manipur artisan weaves magic with lotus at National Conclave on Sustainable Textiles
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