The State Industries Department had in 2013-13 prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and sent it to the Union Ministry of Textile proposing for setting up an "apparel garment making and power loom estate" in the State which will be soon turning into reality as the foundation laying ceremony will be held at the City Convention in Imphal.

Union Minister of State for Textile (independent charge) Santosh Gangwar is all set to lay the foundation stone of the powerloom estate proposed to be set up at Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West on March 24 .

According to Industries department sources, a total of 201 semi-automatic power loom units are to be installed at the proposed power loom estate at a total cost of 3.6 crore. Each semi-automatic powerloom costs Rs 1.82 lakh.

Establishment of the proposed powerloom estate will require 40 acre of land area and cost nearly Rs 10 crore of which the Centre will contribute 90 percent and 10 percent by the State Government.

As soon as the estate is set up, the State Government is likely to focus on exporting lungi cloths in neighbouring Myanmar where lungi wearing is extensive.

The State Government is also planning to develop a trade-cum-exhibition centre close to the proposed powerloom estate at Lamboikhongnanghong and so this area is expected to get regular power supply soon.

Manipur already has three privately owned powerloom units.