Imphal, Nov. 5 -- The Manipur government has announced plans to establish a separate Handloom and Handicrafts Department to strengthen the rural economy and support thousands of weavers and artisans across the state, particularly those living in rural and semi-urban areas.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced the proposed department on Thursday while inaugurating the Manipur International Textile Expo (MANITEX) at Urban Haat in Nilakuthi. The expo, scheduled to continue until November 9, is being held under the theme "Weave for Togetherness: Many Threads, One Manipur" and seeks to bring the state's diverse textile traditions together on a common platform.

The handloom and handicrafts sectors play an important role in promotin...