Kota Doria-Eri Silk Blend Project Targets Premium Global Handloom Market
India’s handloom sector is set to witness a new product development initiative with plans to create a premium fusion fabric by combining Rajasthan’s Kota Doria with Northeast India’s Eri Silk, targeting high-value domestic and export markets.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Om Birla and a delegation led by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), along with fashion designers, weavers and industry representatives in Kota.
The proposed fabric will integrate the lightweight, airy and checkered weave of Kota Doria with the strength, softness and sustainable attributes of Eri Silk, creating a differentiated textile for premium fashion and lifestyle applications.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at expanding value-added opportunities for India’s handloom sector while enhancing collaboration between weaving clusters in Rajasthan and the Northeast.
Om Birla said the project would help bring national recognition to traditional weaving communities and support the government’s ‘5F Vision’ — Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion and Fashion to Foreign.
As part of the groundwork, the delegation visited the Common Facility Centre at Kaithoon to study Kota Doria weaving techniques and evaluate technical possibilities for blending the fabric with Eri Silk. Local designers and weaving stakeholders also shared inputs on design development and commercial viability.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed between the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation and Rajasthan’s District Industries Centre to advance the project.
The proposed collaboration will focus on design innovation, weaver training programmes and market development initiatives to position the new fusion fabric in premium international and domestic markets.
