Kohima: There has been a decline in the number of handicraft artisans in Nagaland, with fewer than 10,000 registered as compared to 40,000 artisans in the state some few years back.

This was stated by Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Marketing & Service Extension Centre (M&SEC) of Kohima, T Rollee Vareishim at the Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar anniversary celebration of the handicrafts artisans’ conference at Jakhama town hall this morning.

With many schemes available for the promotion of the artisans, he said its target has been to register 29,000 artisans. However, he lamented that fewer than 10,000 artisans turned up and opined that artisans in the state are not serious in seeking the assistance though there are many available schemes for them.

Highlighting on various schemes meant for artisans, Vareishim said ‘prosperity of handicraft artisans is the prosperity of a nation’.

While noting that handicrafts which started as a part time activity has now become a flourishing economic activity due to its significant market demands over the years, he said handicrafts in north east have immense potential for self-sustainability with cane, bamboo, wood carving and tribal textiles with artistic designs which are in high demand.

Vareishim also pointed out that crafts from Nagaland like tribal textiles, decorative crafts and dry flowers crafts are very popular outside and are in high demand and has huge scope for commercial productions.

Handicrafts, he said is next to agriculture in the game of income generation with sufficient raw materials which are available in the state that requires creativity and innovations.

Putting in some words of advice for the artisans, Vareishim said emphasise should be given on the utility of the products, quality, finishing and attractive, only then he said ‘we can market our crafts’.

Speaking as the chief guest of the event, the adviser for Labour & Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dr TM Lotha said Nagas had been blessed with crafts ‘since time immemorial which must be taken forward for commercial production.’

While stating that Naga crafts were being appreciated and in high demand outside the state, Dr Lotha said artisans need to work dedicatedly and sincerely with finesse and take the crafts of the Nagas to greater heights.

He encouraged the artisans to improve their product finishing, and also to avail schemes that are available for them.

During the programme, the artisans were introduced to various schemes and projects, trained on BHIM APP download and its operation and usage and application of India. Identity cards were also distributed to handicrafts artisans.

Source: easternmirrornagaland