Application of colour (dyes) on fibre, yarn and fabric is an art and technology to improve longevity as well as attractiveness of textile material for consumers. The rise of “fast fashion” has made the global textile and apparel industry one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world – resulting in toxic pollutionand mounting waste. Widespread use of chemical or artificial dyes is creating more hazardous to human kind and degraded the environment. There are two kinds of dyes or colouring material. One is synthetic dyes or man-made or artificial from petroleum/combination of both natural and artificial.
In Manipur, there are many plants which were used for dyeing of cloths and fishing nets since time immemorial, they are Ureirom, Kuhi, Sanarei, Numitlei, Kusumlei, etc. Among these, Kusumlei has regular production for its use in the traditional festival of Cheiraoba in March/April in Manipur. A scheme was introduced in 2018 to support the cultivation of dye plants in Manipur to generate employment both in plantation and use of natural dyes for promoting clean living and a healthy.
Main objective of the project is to support the cultivation of dye plants for the purpose of natural textile production and employment generation in plantation and application of natural dyes for promoting clean living and a healthy people.
Implementation started with the following entrepreneurs on trial basis:
| Sr. | Name with address | District | Amount |
| 1. | Oinam Brojendro Singh, Mibam Leikai | Imphal West | 639000.00 |
| 2. | Kakchingtabam Robita Devi, Kongba Nandeibam Leikai | Imphal East | 639000.00 |
| 3. | Lambamayum Babypriya Devi, Ningombam, | Thoubal | 639000.00 |
| 4. | Karam Ingobi Meitei, Thongjao Makha Leikai | Kakching | 639000.00 |
| 5. | Ningthoujam Kenedy, Khumujamba Meitei Leikai. | Churachandpur | 639000.00 |
| 6. | 6. Laishram Priya Devi, Thinungei Mamang Leikai | Bishnupur | 639000.00 |