NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer along with dignitaries and beneficiaries during the launch of Small Cluster Development Programme under NHDP 2024–25 at Ungma village, Mokokchung, on August 15.
Morung Express News
Ungma | August 16
The launch programme of the Small Cluster Development Programme (SCDP) under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) 2024–25 was held at the Rural Assembly Hall, Ungma village, Mokokchung district on August 15.
A total of 164 beneficiaries from seven units under the 26 Aonglenden Assembly Constituency—Ungma, Settsü, Kupza, Dilong, Arkong, Sangtemla, and Marepkong—attended the launch. On the occasion, the department distributed loin looms, frame looms, wrapping drums, domestic solar lights, and other weaving materials to the beneficiaries under the scheme.
The initiative, funded by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and implemented by the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, seeks to promote and support local handloom clusters for sustainable growth and livelihood generation.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, recalled the initiatives of his late father, I. Nungshi Longkumer, who as Cabinet Minister during Dr. S. C. Jamir’s tenure, had introduced weaving cluster centres in Ungma under the Department of Art and Culture. He noted that Ungma had once been a hub of weaving centres but many had declined over time due to technological shifts and the migration of skilled manpower to Kohima and Dimapur.
Describing the SCDP as a continuation of the forefathers’ legacy, Longkumer expressed hope that the programme would empower local artisans and revive traditional handloom practices. He also highlighted the linkage between the SCDP and the ongoing sericulture cluster project in Ungma, aimed at infusing traditional eri and muga silk rearing with weaving to produce high-value fabrics. The sericulture project, he said, is targeting the production of four metric tons of eri and muga silk to be processed into yarns for weaving.
Stating that traditional weaving practices are “user-friendly and maintenance-friendly,” Longkumer urged artisans to adopt serious craftsmanship rather than participating merely to avail subsidies. “Only quality production will ensure the success of the programme,” he asserted. Drawing lessons from earlier agricultural ventures such as ginger, pineapple, and passion fruit farming, he encouraged participants to use available resources wisely.
Meanwhile, P Tokugha Sema, Director of Industries & Commerce, stated that the SCDP is designed exclusively for the beneficiaries and lauded the craftsmanship of Naga artisans. He further urged them to register for a PEHCHAN card at the District Industries & Commerce Office, which would enable access to government schemes, incentives, and facilities.
