Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the ‘Nav Trinjan’ initiative in Punjab, which combines organic cotton cultivation with traditional handloom weaving to promote sustainable farming practices and create livelihood opportunities, particularly for women.
Speaking during the 139th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister said India’s traditional skills were being adapted to contemporary needs, creating opportunities to preserve cultural heritage while supporting livelihoods.
The initiative is being implemented by the Kheti Virasat Mission, which has been working to revive organic farming and traditional agricultural practices. Under Nav Trinjan, natural cotton is cultivated in Punjab’s Malwa region without chemical inputs. Naturally coloured cotton is also grown to reduce the need for chemical dyes in textile production, PM Modi said, highlighting the initiative’s potential environmental benefits.
The programme has also established a weaving school to pass traditional handloom skills on to the next generation. According to the Prime Minister, the initiative has helped several women acquire weaving skills and develop new sources of income.
Citing individual examples, PM Modi spoke about Ramandeep Kaur, who previously worked as a labourer and has since trained as a weaver. He also mentioned Rekha Rani, who had no prior experience with handlooms before joining the school. A shawl woven by her was later presented to the President of India, he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the journeys of Suneha Devi, who earlier worked in people’s homes and now produces handloom fabrics, and Rajini Kaur, who previously depended on agricultural labour and has since acquired weaving skills to support her household.
Women trained under the initiative are using yarn made from indigenous organic cotton to produce shawls, towels and other textiles. PM Modi said these efforts were helping participants build livelihoods while preserving traditional weaving practices.
Recalling his interaction with the team behind Nav Trinjan on National Handloom Day, the Prime Minister Modi appreciated their commitment to the initiative and wished them success in their future endeavours.
-ians
