A new initiative to blend Rajasthan’s traditional fabric Kota Doria with the Northeast’s renowned Eri Silk has been launched with the aim of developing a premium fabric for domestic and global markets.The initiative was discussed during a meeting between a delegation led by Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla at the latter’s camp office in Kota on Jattvibeday.Birla said the proposed fusion would bring together two rich handloom traditions of the country while creating new opportunities for artisans and weavers from Rajasthan and the Northeast. He described Kota Doria as a symbol of the Hadoti region’s cultural identity and said the initiative would help provide wider recognition to Indian handloom products.He also said the move aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “5F Vision” — Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion and Fashion to Foreign.Officials said the proposed fabric would combine the soft texture and durability of Eri silk with the lightweight and transparent weave of Kota Doria. The textile is expected to target premium fashion and export markets.Earlier in the day, the delegation visited the Common Facility Centre in Kaithoon, where they observed the traditional weaving process of Kota Doria and explored possibilities of integrating it with Eri silk. District Collector Piyush Samaria and representatives of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation were also present during the visit.According to officials, preparations are underway for signing an MoU between the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation and the Rajasthan Government’s District Industries Centre to facilitate joint design development, artisan training and market access for the proposed fabric.Officials said the initiative was expected to boost collaboration between handloom clusters in Rajasthan and the Northeast while promoting sustainable and indigenous textile traditions.