KOTA, 17 May: In a significant step towards fostering economic linkages between the Northeastern region (NER) and Rajasthan’s iconic textile heritage, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Secretary Sanjay Jaju, along with Kota District Collector Piyush Samaria and North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) Managing Director Mara Kocho visited the Kaithoon Common Facility Center (CFC) here in Rajasthan on Sunday.
The purpose of the visit was to explore the feasibility of blending eri silk – a prized, peace silk native to the NER – with the world-renowned kota doria fabric, traditionally crafted at Kaithoon.
The proposed fusion aims to develop a distinctive, premium-grade textile that uniquely combines the soft, luxurious texture of eri silk with the characteristic lightness and transparent weave of kota doria, targeting premium market positioning both domestically and internationally.
During the visit, the delegation also called upon Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at his residence in Kota. The team, accompanied by select fashion designers from Kota, apprised the Speaker of the innovative textile fusion proposal and its potential to create new livelihood opportunities for artisans of both regions while elevating India’s handloom exports on the global stage.
The initiative is expected to be formalised through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the NEHHDC and the District Industries Centre (DIC), Government of Rajasthan.
The MoU will establish the institutional framework for collaboration, including joint design development, artisan training, and market linkage support.
Eri silk, known for its warmth, durability, and ethical production, is a flagship product of the NER. Its fusion with kota doria – a GI-tagged fabric celebrated for its distinctive check patterns and breathability – is expected to produce a one-of-a-kind fabric that speaks to both heritage and contemporary fashion sensibilities, said a release.
This initiative is a direct embodiment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformative 5F vision – farm to fibre, fibre to fabric, fabric to fashion, fashion to foreign – which envisions an integrated, end-to-end value chain that connects Indian farmers and artisans to global markets.
By sourcing eri silk from the farms and forests of the Northeast and transforming it into a premium fashion fabric at Kaithoon for export to the world, this collaboration traverses the entire 5F continuum.
The initiative also resonates strongly with the Make in India mission, championing indigenous craftsmanship, boosting domestic manufacturing, and positioning India’s handloom sector as a globally competitive force.
The fusion of two distinct regional textile traditions – eri silk from the Northeast and kota doria from Rajasthan – is a testament to India’s rich and diverse textile heritage being harnessed for modern, premium markets.
This initiative further aligns with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, promoting cultural integration while driving the economic empowerment of weavers and artisans across regions.
