GUWAHATI, May 18: In a major push to promote India’s traditional textiles through inter-regional collaboration, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is exploring the fusion of the North East’s famed Eri silk with Rajasthan’s iconic Kota Doria fabric to create a premium handloom product for global markets.

The initiative aims to blend the eco-friendly and ethically produced Eri silk — often called “peace silk” — with the lightweight, translucent and finely checkered Kota Doria weave, known worldwide for its unique craftsmanship.

As part of the initiative, DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju visited the Kaithoon Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Kota on May 17 along with Kota District Collector Piyush Samaria and Managing Director of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), Mara Kocho.

The delegation interacted with local weavers, artisans and fashion designers and closely observed the traditional weaving techniques that have made Kota Doria a globally recognised fabric.

Officials said discussions focused on developing a high-value textile that combines luxury, sustainability, durability and traditional craftsmanship, while also creating new livelihood opportunities for weavers and artisans in both Rajasthan and the North Eastern states.

During the visit, the delegation also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at his residence and briefed him about the proposed collaboration.

Birla described Kota Doria as more than just a fabric, calling it “a symbol of the identity, culture and craftsmanship of the Hadoti region.” He said blending it with the North East’s Eri silk could create “a new benchmark” in India’s textile sector by bringing together two rich handloom traditions.

He also noted that such collaborations could help preserve traditional weaving practices while generating sustainable economic opportunities, particularly for women artisans and rural weaving communities.

DoNER Secretary Jaju said the initiative is being envisioned as a model of collaborative textile innovation that integrates regional strengths to create globally competitive products rooted in Indian heritage.

The proposed fabric is expected to be positioned as a premium offering for high-end domestic and international buyers seeking sustainable, handcrafted and culturally rich textiles.

To formalise the collaboration, preparations are underway for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) and Rajasthan’s District Industries Centre (DIC).

The proposed agreement will focus on joint product and design development, artisan training, technology support, branding and market linkages.

Officials said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F vision — Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign — and reflects the broader goal of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by connecting India’s diverse textile traditions through cultural and economic collaboration.

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