Two new initiatives have been launched in Nagaland to bolster apparel and textile growth in the Northeast region. An apparel and garment making center will come up in Dimapur, the largest city in Nagaland. Nagaland will also have a weavers’ service center. These steps build upon the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which works to promote the textile industry in the region.

The North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) is an umbrella scheme for the development of several textile sectors including, silk, handlooms, handicrafts, and apparel and garments. The scheme is investing a total of Rs 1038.10 crores in the 12th Five Year plan. NERTPS will work towards construction of apparel and garment factories in the Northeast. Each state will have its own center with three units.

The main focus of the initiative will be on the construction of facilities, purchase of machinery and capacity building for the next three years. It is estimated that each center will generate 1,200 jobs.

The cotton industry in Nagaland is flourishing due to the abundance of cotton and skilled workers. The motifs and patterns that are woven on to the cloth have intricate designs. Textile dyeing is a significant art among the hill tribes of the region with each tribe possessing one or two good dyes.