Plan to promote traditional woollen craft in district

BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, February 24

The district industries centre (DIC) in Pithoragarh has chalked out a detailed plan to promote traditional woollen products, especially in the tribal region of the district.

DIC General Manager Chanchal Singh Bohra said the plan would generate self-employment avenues and check migration from the border region of the district. “The traditional woollen industry that produces carpets, blankets, shawls and stoles from local wool can grow if goods are produced according to the tastes of customers,” Bohra said.

“We are working on colour patterns and trying to convince craftsmen to use light colours so that carpets could attract tourists,” he said.

Over 5,000 persons, who are involved in manufacturing of these woollen goods, are provided training to produce carpets for modern customers. “Besides colors combinations, we are also convincing carpet producers to use modern designs,” Bohra added.

“These woollen products are facing a tough competition from Chinese products. We have advised local craftsmen to use light colours in their products so that these could compete with Chinese goods, especially carpets, that have dark colours. We are now emphasising on handwoven carpets to compete with power loom manufactured carpets available in the market,” he said.

Bohra is planning to open stalls of local carpets and other woollen produces at all tourist places on the Kailash Mansarovar route. He is also contacting vendors to sell the products online.