A women-led cooperative in Assam’s Dhemaji district has secured its first major bulk order for traditional mekhela chadors. The order is valued at Rs 5.30 lakh.
The development marks an important step for the Muga Machkhowa Multipurpose Cooperative Society. The initiative aims to create better livelihood opportunities for local women artisans while promoting Dhemaji’s traditional weaving heritage.
The cooperative has more than 100 registered women members. Its progress is being seen as a significant development for women-led economic activity in the district.
Focus on Muga Silk and Traditional Weaving
Muga silk is one of Assam’s best-known traditional silk varieties. It is valued for its natural golden sheen and durability. Mekhela chador made from muga silk is an important part of Assam’s traditional clothing culture.
The Dhemaji cooperative is working to strengthen this local weaving tradition. The bulk order can provide its members with a larger and more stable market for their handmade products.
The initiative also connects traditional craftsmanship with organised commercial opportunities. This can help artisans move beyond small-scale individual sales.
Cooperative Supported by District Administration
The Muga Machkhowa Multipurpose Cooperative Society was incubated with support from the Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner and the Zila Parishad.
The cooperative now brings together more than 100 women members from the district. Its structure provides a platform for women to participate in income-generating activities through weaving and related work.
The first bulk supply order worth Rs 5.30 lakh is therefore significant for the cooperative. It gives members an opportunity to produce traditional garments for a larger organised market.
Boost to Women’s Livelihoods
The cooperative’s latest achievement is expected to strengthen livelihood opportunities for women artisans in Dhemaji.
Bulk orders can provide artisans with more predictable demand. They can also encourage women to continue traditional weaving while earning income from their skills.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the local weaving ecosystem. It also aims to give women greater participation in economic activities linked to Assam’s handloom and silk sector.
For rural communities, such cooperative models can create opportunities around traditional skills. They can also help preserve crafts that are closely connected with local culture.
Traditional Craft Reaches Wider Markets
One of the key objectives of the cooperative is to take Dhemaji’s muga silk products to wider markets.
The Rs 5.30 lakh order provides an early commercial opportunity to achieve that objective. It could also help create greater visibility for products made by women artisans in the district.
Assam already has a strong handloom and silk tradition. Government agencies list muga chaddar mekhela among the state’s recognised handloom products.
The cooperative’s focus on muga silk therefore combines traditional skills with a structured approach to production and marketing.
Minister Congratulates Cooperative Members
Assam Education and Tribal Welfare Minister Ranoj Pegu congratulated the members of the cooperative on the achievement.
He extended his best wishes for the society’s continued growth. According to the report, he highlighted the importance of supporting women-led initiatives while safeguarding Assam’s handloom and silk traditions.
The recognition has added attention to the cooperative’s efforts to combine women’s economic participation with cultural preservation.
New Opportunity for Dhemaji Artisans
The first bulk order represents a new commercial opportunity for the Muga Machkhowa Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
With more than 100 registered women members, the cooperative has a sizeable artisan base. Continued access to organised orders could help members expand production and develop new markets.
The initiative also highlights how local cooperatives can support traditional crafts. By linking artisans with larger buyers, such organisations can create new income opportunities while keeping traditional weaving practices active.
For Dhemaji, the Rs 5.30 lakh order is therefore more than a single commercial contract. It represents an opportunity to strengthen women-led livelihoods and bring the district’s muga silk craftsmanship to a wider audience.