News

Natural Fibers

The Hills Of Nagaland Where Nettle Becomes Treasure In Winter

• By  Textile Excellence
• July 27, 2026

Some of the most remarkable fibres at Bharat Tex 2026 are not produced in giant mills or sprawling factories. They grow quietly on the hills of Nagaland, waiting for winter before revealing their true worth.

For the weavers of Nagaland, nettle is not harvested throughout the year. They patiently wait for winter, when the plant yields its finest and strongest fibre. Harvesting it at any other time compromises the quality, making the winter crop especially prized.

Collecting nettle is no easy task. The plant stings, and only experienced harvesters know how to handle it safely. It is a skill passed down through generations, combining patience, knowledge and tradition.

Representing Chair Weaves, a Farmer Producer Company (FPC) from Phek district with around 100 weavers, the team is introducing handcrafted nettle products to the Indian market. Their current strategy relies on exhibitions like Bharat Tex and direct outreach to buyers. E-commerce is on the roadmap once production scales up, while Europe is the next destination they hope to enter.

Their vision is not to compete with mass manufacturers but to serve niche markets that value authenticity, sustainability and craftsmanship.

"We cannot produce in huge quantities," the representative explained. "Instead, we are focusing on unique products and the organic segment. People today are looking for something natural and different."

That philosophy reflects the character of Nagaland itself. The state remains largely untouched by large-scale industrialisation, allowing traditional crafts to retain their originality. Rather than chasing volume, artisans are creating value through rarity and quality.

Beyond business, the message was also about opportunity. Agriculture and entrepreneurship, they believe, offer the greatest promise for the region's future, while preserving its cultural identity.

And with a smile came the final invitation: come to Nagaland, experience its landscapes, meet its artisans, and discover the quiet magic hidden in every winter-harvested fibre.

Beyond business, the message was also about opportunity. Agriculture and entrepreneurship, they believe, offer the greatest promise for the region's future, while preserving its cultural identity. And with a smile came the final invitation: come to Nagaland, experience its landscapes, meet its artisans, and discover the quiet magic hidden in every winter-harvested fibre.