NEDFi extends support to promote handloom and handicraft industry in northeast

BOMDILA (ARUNACHAL PRADESH): The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi), a public limited company, has extended its support to promote handloom and handicraft industry in northeast region.

Handloom and handicrafts sector, which primarily belongs to economically and socially weaker sections of the society in the interior of the country, is the second largest industry in the northeast region as it employs large number of artisans and weavers.

A young local entrepreneur, Karma Deru, is one of the few entrants from the state to this industry. She is engaged in the designing of artificial flowers and is now availing a business opportunity by displaying her products at the NEDFi fair in Guwahati.

Deru have a diploma in fashion technology. She left her permanent job and started this business two years ago. Earlier, she has participated in several fairs and received good response for her products.

Backing entrepreneurship, she said, “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.”

Besides Deru, other young entrepreneurs are also stepping in the profession. Dakge Lomri, another entrepreneur from the state also participated in the fair.

Lomri shared, “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.”

The fair emerged as the best platform for various handloom products made of Eri and Muga silk.

The entrepreneurs aiming to promote Assamese handloom and handicrafts across the country, were provided by professional training, marketing and financial assistance on low interest rates by NEDFi.