KOTA (Rajasthan), May 17: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening economic and cultural linkages between the North Eastern Region and Rajasthan, the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is exploring the fusion of Eri silk from the North East with Rajasthan’s renowned Kota Doria fabric to create a premium textile product for national and international markets.
As part of the initiative, Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Sanjay Jaju, accompanied by Kota District Collector Piyush Samaria and representative of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) Mara Kocho, visited the Kaithoon Common Facility Center (CFC) in Kota on Sunday.
The visit focused on examining the feasibility of blending Eri silk — popularly known as peace silk and native to the North Eastern region — with the lightweight and transparent Kota Doria fabric traditionally woven in Kaithoon.
Officials stated that the proposed fusion aims to create a unique premium-grade fabric combining the softness and durability of Eri silk with the distinctive weave and breathability of Kota Doria, targeting high-end domestic and global fashion markets.
During the visit, the delegation also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at his residence in Kota and apprised him of the proposed collaboration and its potential to generate livelihood opportunities for artisans and weavers from both regions.
The initiative is expected to be formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NEHHDC and the District Industries Centre (DIC), Govt of Rajasthan. The proposed collaboration would focus on joint design development, artisan training, and market linkage support.
Officials noted that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5F Vision — “Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign” — aimed at building an integrated textile value chain connecting Indian farmers and artisans to global markets.
The initiative also complements the Central Government's “Make in India” and “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” visions by promoting indigenous craftsmanship, cultural integration, and economic empowerment of artisans across regions.
Eri silk, known for its ethical production, warmth, and durability, is considered one of the flagship handloom products of the North East, while Kota Doria is a GI-tagged fabric globally recognised for its signature check patterns and lightweight texture.