A major initiative has been launched to develop a premium textile by blending Rajasthan’s iconic Kota Doria fabric with the famed Eri silk of Northeast India, a move aimed at giving Indian handloom products a stronger identity in global markets while creating new opportunities for artisans and weavers.
A delegation led by Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Secretary Sanjay Jaju, along with fashion designers and weavers, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss the proposed collaboration.
Speaking on the initiative, Birla said Kota Doria is not merely a textile but the cultural identity of the Hadoti region and a symbol of the craftsmanship and dedication of local weavers. He said combining Kota Doria with Eri silk would create a new identity for two of India’s rich handloom traditions while opening fresh economic opportunities for artisans.
The proposed fabric will combine the soft texture of Eri silk with the lightweight and translucent weave of Kota Doria and is being designed for premium domestic and international markets.
The initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “5F Vision” — Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion, and Fashion to Foreign — aimed at strengthening India’s textile value chain and expanding global outreach for Indian handloom products.
During the visit, the delegation observed the traditional weaving process of Kota Doria and held discussions on integrating it with Eri silk. Fashion designers from Kota also shared suggestions regarding design innovation and market potential for the blended fabric.
Prior to the meeting, Jaju visited the Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Kaithoon along with District Collector Piyush Samariya and Mara Kocho, a representative of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).
Officials said preparations are underway for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NEHHDC and the Rajasthan government’s District Industries Centre (DIC) to formally take the initiative forward.
Jaju said the project would create new livelihood opportunities for weavers and artisans in both Rajasthan and the Northeast while helping Indian handloom products secure a distinctive global identity.
