The College of Fisheries, CAU (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura, participated virtually in the Valedictory Programme of the National Conclave on “Weaving India Together: Natural Fibres, Innovation and Livelihoods from the North East and Beyond”, organized by the College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), in collaboration with ICAR, New Delhi; Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; and the Government of Meghalaya, held from 6th-8th October 2025.
The programme was graced by Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and textile; Dr. Archana Chitnis, Hon’ble MLA & Former Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Shri Varnali Deka, Director, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, New Delhi; Dr. Punyavrat Suvimalendu Pandey, Vice Chancellor, RPCAU, Bihar; Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Vice Chancellor, RLBCAU, Jhansi, UP; Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal; Dr. Mridula Thakur Pradhan, Chairperson, Vikas Foundation Trust and other distinguished dignitaries.
During the programme, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, delivered his address highlighting the conclave’s significance in strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and linking traditional fibre crafts with contemporary innovations and global markets. He congratulated the organizers and participants for their efforts in advancing the natural fibre sector and emphasized the need for continued collaboration between researchers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders.
Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Minister of State for external Affairs and textile Chief Guest of the programme addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Vocal for Local campaign. He highlighted the critical role of natural fibres in fostering sustainable livelihoods and encouraged government initiatives aimed at empowering artisans, handloom weavers, and women entrepreneurs, while promoting eco-friendly textiles in domestic and international markets. The Chief Guest also called for innovation, research, and collaboration to enhance productivity, quality, and market reach of indigenous fibres such as Bamboo, Banana, Pineapple, Lotus stem, Eri and Muga silk.
The Valedictory Programme marked the successful conclusion of the conclave, which provided a platform for policymakers, researchers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to discuss innovations, opportunities, and challenges in the natural fibre sector. The event celebrated the vision “Weave Green, Live Green; Craft Local, Grow Global” and underscored the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the natural fibre ecosystem in India.
