Tripura, October 6, 2025: The College of Fisheries, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Lembucherra, Tripura, participated virtually in the inauguration 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, CAU (Imphal). The event is being held in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India; and the Government of Meghalaya from 6th to 8th October 2025.
Renowned actor Ashutosh Rana unveiled the poster of the National Conclave on 5th October and was announced as the official Brand Ambassador of the event. Extending his best wishes for its success, he endorsed the theme, “Weave Green, Live Green; Craft Local, Grow Global.”
The programme was graced by several dignitaries, including Shri Kiren Raju, Hon’ble Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, as the Chief Guest; Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, New Delhi; Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal; Dr. Mridula Thakur Pradhan, Chairperson, Vikas Foundation Trust; and Shri Atul Jain, Vice Chairman, Deendayal Research Institute, New Delhi, among others.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, CAU (Imphal), extended warm greetings to all dignitaries, participants, artisans, faculty members, and students. He emphasized the significance of the conclave in strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and bridging traditional fibre crafts with modern innovations and global markets.
In his inaugural address, Shri Kiren Raju highlighted the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Vocal for Local initiative. He underlined the critical role of natural fibres in fostering sustainable livelihoods and promoting eco-friendly textiles. The Chief Guest reiterated the government’s commitment to empower artisans, handloom weavers, and women entrepreneurs through innovation, research, and collaboration, focusing on indigenous fibres such as Eri and Muga silk to boost productivity, quality, and global market access.
The three-day conclave aims to create a collaborative platform for policymakers, researchers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from across the country to explore innovations, opportunities, and challenges in the natural fibre sector, particularly in the North Eastern region.
