The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is exploring a plan to blend Eri silk-commonly called “peace silk” for its eco-friendly, ethical production-with Kota Doria to create a premium handloom fabric for domestic and international markets, officials said. The proposal, officials added, aims to boost livelihoods for weavers and artisans across the North East and Rajasthan while raising the global profile of Indian handloom textiles.
DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju led a delegation to the Common Facility Centre at Kaithoon in Kota on May 17, accompanied by Kota District Collector Piyush Samaria and Mara Kocho, Managing Director of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC). During the visit they met local weavers, artisans and fashion designers and observed traditional Kota Doria weaving techniques, noted for their lightweight texture, sheer transparency and distinctive check patterns.
Discussions during the visit focused on the technical and commercial feasibility of combining Eri silk with Kota Doria to produce a high-value textile that melds comfort, durability and traditional craftsmanship. Officials said the initiative would look at product development, skill building and design integration to ensure the blended fabric meets both domestic demand and export standards.
The delegation also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Kota, who said the proposed collaboration could unite two distinct handloom traditions and generate new economic opportunities for weaving communities. Officials added that preparations are underway for a memorandum of understanding between NEHHDC and Rajasthan’s District Industries Centre to formalize cooperation on product development, skill enhancement, branding and market linkages.
If implemented, the initiative could create new value chains linking North Eastern raw materials and expertise with Rajasthan’s established weaving infrastructure and market networks, offering weavers diversified income streams and positioning Indian handlooms more strongly in premium segments at home and abroad.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/north-easts-eri-silk-set-to-merge-with-rajasthans-kota-doria-as-doner-explores-textile-collaboration-1393545-2026-05-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-05-18 13:01:00
