NABARD Organises Handloom Exhibition and Seminar in Delhi, Generates Over Rs 3 Lakh in Sales
Two-day event marks National Handloom Day with discussions on sector challenges, market access and sustainable development
NABARD's New Delhi Regional Office organised a two-day Exhibition-cum-Sale and Seminar on August 10-11, 2026, to commemorate National Handloom Day. The event focused on promoting handloom weavers and discussing key issues affecting the sector, while the exhibition recorded business worth over Rs 3 lakh.
The seminar brought together government officials, financial institutions, industry representatives, weavers and artisan groups to deliberate on sustainable development, competitiveness and market expansion for the handloom sector.
Seminar Discusses Challenges Facing Handloom Sector
The seminar addressed several issues affecting the handloom industry, including sustainable development, enhancing competitiveness and strategies for expanding market access.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. K. Mahesh, IAS, Secretary, Culture, GNCTD and Managing Director, Delhi Khadi & Village Industries Board, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among government agencies, financial institutions, artisans and other stakeholders for the holistic development of the handloom sector.
Shri Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD, New Delhi Regional Office, outlined the role of institutions such as NABARD, the Government of India, the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) and other organisations in supporting the sustainable development of the handloom and handicrafts sectors. He also highlighted NABARD's initiatives in financial assistance, capacity building, technology upgradation and market access, and called for collective efforts to strengthen Delhi's handloom identity.
Shri Chandan Kumar, Chief General Manager, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), said that access to credit, technology adoption and skill development are essential for improving the sector's competitiveness.
Shri Rajeev Ashok, Managing Director, NHDC, spoke about the organisation's initiatives to promote Geographical Indication (GI) products and improve the working conditions of weavers.
Shri T.D. Shivakumar, Chief General Manager, EXIM Bank, highlighted the role of financial institutions in expanding the global market for Indian handloom products.
Other speakers, including weavers, called for a coordinated approach among all stakeholders and expressed hope that NABARD's initiative would serve as a starting point for further collaboration.
Dignitaries Attend the Programme
The seminar, chaired by Dr. K. Mahesh, IAS, Managing Director, Delhi Khadi and Village Industries Board and Secretary, GNCTD, was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Shri Chandan Kumar, Chief General Manager, Reserve Bank of India
- Shri Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, NABARD
- Shri Pushpas Pandey, Managing Director, NABCONS
- Commodore Rajeev Ashok (Retd.), Managing Director, NHDC
- Shri T.D. Shivakumar, Chief General Manager, EXIM Bank
- Dr. Shinju Mahajan, Director, NIFT Delhi
- Shri Vishesh Nautiyal, Director, Weavers' Service Centre
Lead District Managers from across Delhi, weavers' cooperatives, artisan groups and senior NABARD officials also participated in the event.
Exhibition Showcases Handloom Products
As part of the National Handloom Day celebrations, NABARD organised a seven-stall Exhibition-cum-Sale featuring handloom products from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.
The exhibition displayed a range of handcrafted products, including:
- Kanchipuram sarees
- Batik prints
- Dohars
- Dhotis
- Ready-made garments
- Table mats
- Durries
- Other handcrafted products
According to NABARD, the exhibition highlighted the diversity and craftsmanship of India's handloom tradition and attracted significant visitor interest.
Sales Cross Rs 3 Lakh
The seven-stall exhibition recorded sales of over Rs 3 lakh during the two-day event.