Ryndia or eri silk an exclusive heirloom and traditional fabric of Meghalaya has now become a target of counterfeiters in New Delhi.
Textiles Commissioner and Secretary Frederick Roy Kharkongor during the launch of “Digitalization of Handloom” products at Umden – Diwon, the Eri Silk village today stated that he was informed about some non-local entrepreneurs who were fraudulently marketing imitation of the Ryndia and selling them at high rates ranging from Rs 19,500 to Rs 24,000.
Kharkongor underscored the urgent need to blend technology and tradition, right from “loom to home and from thread to trend.” He said with the introduction of digitization, which is Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven technology, QR Codes will now be woven into fabric to carry information about the authenticity of the unique handloom products of the state in general and the Eri Silk Village in particular, which will authenticate this special product.
He welcomed the prompt collaboration of the North East Handloom & Handicraft Development Corporation (NEHHDC) as a technological partner in rolling out digitization of handloom through the IOT (Internet of Things) device and said this contribute towards facilitating efficient traceability, and empower customers with the knowledge of the product origin.
“This traceability will contribute towards authenticity as it will capture the product’s journey right form farm to fibre, fibre to fabric and fabric to fashion. Simultaneously, the weavers and the local designers also stand to benefit through the digital traceability enabled by technology, as they would be in a position to charge a higher premium for their artistically designed hand-woven products, which are known the world over as being natural, eco-friendly and gender driven. The technology will also amplify the reputation of handloom products originating from the Silk village in particular and the state in general,” Kharkongor said.
NEHHDC Managing Director, RK Singh in his remarks highlighted that they had an ambitious target of covering more than 10,000 looms across the region.
Singh said the QR Code offers traceability feature that will authenticate the inherent unique and superior quality of Meghalaya’s handloom provide that will provide wider recognition of the skill and dexterity of nimble women weavers.
He further informed that the corporation in collaboration with the Department of Textiles will further adopt another 500 weavers in Meghalaya with a focus on the Silk
A detailed technical presentation cum demonstration and awareness of the pioneering digitalization initiatives also featured at the launch programme by the NEHHDC technical team.
The team also visited the DIRC (Design Innovation Resource Centre) set up by the Department of Textiles at the Eri Silk village, which showcases the entire value chain of Ryndia and also educates the visitors and researchers on various eco-driven practises such as natural dyes, organic sourcing of product, design pattern and various other ethical practises and others.
