Handloom is one of the key product categories planned under the first phase of the SELHEL brand. The products will be procured from the Vantawng Cluster Level Federation (CLF), Serchhip RD Block, which has established a structured production and quality-assurance system through its Livelihoods Sub-Committee.

The CLF sources products from skilled artisans belonging to SHG households across 15 Village Organizations. This arrangement supports consistency in supply and quality while helping preserve traditional Mizo weaving practices.

Supporting local weavers

The Livelihoods Sub-Committee of Vantawng CLF started its handloom business in April 2024, with the objective of promoting sustainable livelihoods and empowering artisans from SHG households. The initiative combines traditional Mizo handloom practices with structured market linkages and income-generation opportunities.

The initiative currently involves 12 SHGs across 15 Village Organizations, with interest-free Community Investment Fund loans provided for loom establishment. Weavers are selected from SHG households and supported in production, while finished products are graded for quality by the sub-committee.

Preserving traditional Mizo products

The handloom product range includes:

• Puanchei
• Puanchei Sendang
• Chhuatphahpui
• Tawlhlohpuan
• Puanropui
• Senior Zeh Puan

Some of these products, including Puanchei and Tawlhlohpuan, are GI-tagged.

The initiative also transforms products into value-added items such as handbags, sling bags, purses, Ipte Chei bags, Kawrchei traditional tops, and decorative and utility products.

Connecting heritage with markets

The Vantawng CLF has promoted its products through exhibitions and fairs, including the Regional SARAS Fair, SARAS Ajeevika Mela and handloom exhibitions.

Through SELHEL, these traditional products can reach wider markets while maintaining their community-based production identity. The initiative demonstrates how traditional craftsmanship can become a source of sustainable livelihood while preserving Mizoram’s rich weaving heritage.

Every woven product carries not only craftsmanship, but also the knowledge, culture and livelihood of the community behind it.