Group Captain (Retd) Mohonto Panging after retiring from his service as a fighter pilot in 2014 has set up his powerloom unit on June 22 this year with a total investment of over Rs50 lakh and logistical support from the state industries department is now vying to triumph over the textile market with his products blended with tribal motifs.

The skill, with which he had navigated the Sukhoi in the Indian Air Force till last year, could be seen in his various textile products, including ethnic tribal garments, at the Industrial Estate in Pasighat of East Siang district.

It was a challenge for the former pilot to start the power loom industry in the state where people depended on other states for their clothing requirements. He thinks that his effort will not only fulfil their requirements but as well as ensure employment opportunities to local youths.

Presently, with four power looms along with other machineries bought from Ahmedabad in Gujarat and a staff strength of eight, including five women, the industry has been producing 500 metres of clothe per month against its capacity of producing 1500 metres. He plans to produce 1000 metres of clothing materials soon which will minimise the cost of production.

Products of his unit include wrap-around, stole, shawl, curtain, bed sheet, cushion cover, table cloth, towel, gamocha and shirt are made from pure cotton, silk, organic yarn, acrylic, polyester and other yarns which are being purchased from Guwahati which he plans to market the products outside the state.

Panging urged the state government to provide all facilities for small industrial units in the state. Though the state government has provided land, lack of three-phase power supply has been an impediment and no industry can grow without power.