Guwahati, Apr 8 (KNN) The Assam handloom and textile department is planning to collaborate with the Assam Textile Institute to establish a lab to check the quality of the yarn used in gamosa and mekhela-sadors.

Additionally, the lab will also help in determining whether the items were manufactured using handloom or powerloom techniques, reported TOI.

Due to the absence of a testing laboratory in the state, Assam currently sends samples to Kolkata for examination. 

However, the Handloom and Textile Department director, Parag Mahanta, has informed that the state will soon have its own lab, with the Assam Textile Institute's expertise being sought to assist with its establishment. 

“Currently, the lab is in the planning stage. Once set up, it will help detect powerloom gamosas and mekhela-sadors that are transported from outside the state and sold at a cheaper rate in the state, which has harmed local weavers,” he added.

The Assam government on February 28 had issued order banning the powerloom gamosas and mekhela-sadors from outside the state, particularly from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, with effect from March 1.  (KNN Bureau)