Pasighat, July 6: East Siang deputy commissioner Sonalika Jiwani on Saturday visited the Government Sericulture Farm at Sille and the M.G. Community Skill Development and Training Centre at Oyan, where she interacted with local weavers and trainees engaged in sericulture and textile production.
Jiwani, accompanied by additional deputy commissioner of Ruksin Kiron Ningo, extra assistant commissioner Yamo Tamut, ZPM Bimol Lego, circle officer Dubom Apang, assistant director of industries Onima Gammeng, assistant director of textile & handicrafts Libang Perme, assistant director of sericulture Talom Tadeng, and representatives from SBI and local administrative bodies, reviewed ongoing activities under the small cluster development programme.
At Sille, the DC met members of the Siang Sericulture Cooperative Society who are undergoing training in both pre-cocoon and post-cocoon processes. During her visit to the handloom unit in Oyan, she appreciated the local designs and motifs produced by the weavers and encouraged them to explore market-driven diversification.
She called for enhanced support in identifying new markets, improving online marketing mechanisms, and promoting branding of local handloom products. Jiwani also urged officials and stakeholders to facilitate the formation of additional cooperative societies for both weavers and sericulture farmers to ensure better access to resources and market opportunities.
The weavers expressed appreciation for the visit and the interactive session, which they said offered encouragement and clarity on expanding their livelihood opportunities.
