Nedfi promotes handloom and handicraft industry in northeast

Bomdila (Arunachal Pradesh), Aug 30 (ANI): Realising that handloom and handicrafts is the second largest industry in the northeast region and employs large number of artisans, the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) is making all possible efforts to promote them and help them establish a market.

Karma Deru, a young local entrepreneur who designs artificial flowers, is one of the few entrants from the state to this industry.

Deru is showcasing her products at the Nedfi fair in Guwahati.

Diploma holder in fashion technology, Deru left her permanent job and started this business two years ago.

She has participated in several fairs and received good response for her products.

Speaking to media here, she said that youth should take up entrepreneurship.

"People are always looking for government job, but I was never satisfied with a job. If we work hard then we can achieve anything and improve our living standards,"Deru said.

The handloom and handicraft industry is starting to pick up in state as young entrepreneurs are taking up the profession.

Like Deru, Dakge Lomri, another entrepreneur from the state participated in the fair.

Interacting with mediapersons, Lomri said, "I began this venture by investing from my pocket. There are many young girls who are interested in making artificial flowers, so I wanted to teach them."

Most of the handloom products, displayed in the fair were made of Eri and Muga silk.

Many handloom and handicraft entrepreneurs, self help groups and NGOs from different parts of northeast participated in the event, and displayed household products made from cane and bamboo.

NeDFI extends professional training, help in marketing and financial assistance on low interest rates to these entrepreneurs with an aim to promote Assamese handloom and handicrafts across the country.

Ashim Kumar Das, a NeFDI official, said, "We are taking initiative and are planning to take up a new project near Tawang to promote hand made products." (ANI)