GUWAHATI:
A delegation of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) India led by its representative Rene van Berkel visited Assam’s silk city Sualkuchi in Kamrup District in collaboration with the Indian Chambers of Commerce (ICC), on June 17.
“UNIDO & ICC_Chamber jointly visited Sualkuchi cluster in Assam to identify opportunities for green & inclusive growth & diversification. Great craftsmanship & excellent local initiative for silk certification & design digitalization,” UNIDO India said in a tweet.
Berkel visited the homes of local artisans and entrepreneurs in Sualkuchi to learn about the textile industry and was impressed to see the weaving of clothes without any mechanical tools. He also visited the market in Sualkuchi and interacted with local shopkeepers and learned how the artisans integrate their products into the market system.
The UN Special Representative along with other representatives also visited the Sualkuchi Silk Testing Laboratory where they tested the purity of silk fabrics. The delegation appreciated the efforts of the people of Sualkuchi to preserve the uniqueness of an indigenous industry like Sualkuchi in a modern manner.
The UN team also exchanged views with some young entrepreneurs at the Silk Testing Laboratory who told the team that it is difficult to run their businesses in the current challenging circumstances due to several reasons. Berkeley promised to do something to preserve the indigenous industry of Sualkuchi and told the entrepreneurs that they will consider other projects along with technical assistance to preserve the industry.
Sualkuchi, which is referred to as the Manchester of the East, is situated on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra and is famous for its centuries-old heritage of weaving.
This is the textile centre of the state. Muga silk, Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth from this village are famous for their quality. Mekhela chadors and Gamosas made from the indigenous materials are in demand throughout Assam as well as other parts of the country.