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The Indian Handloom sector stands as a testament to the country’s rich heritage and artistic prowess. The Indian handloom sector is the second largest generator of employment in India’s unorganized sector after agriculture. It serves as a vital source of livelihood for over three million artisans across the country. However, the Indian Handloom sector also suffers from challenges, which has hampered its exponential growth and development.
What is the Indian Handloom Sector? What are the various types of Indian handlooms?
The handloom sector has a rich history in India dating back to the Indus Valley civilization (3300-1300 BCE). It is not just a way of creating textiles, but also a deep-rooted cultural tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Each state in India has its unique handloom production. There are more than 136 unique weaving styles found all across the country, each with its own distinct design, technique, and cultural significance.
These weaves are often named after the regions where they originated and are known for their intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and the use of natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. Some famous handloom products are mentioned below-
| Gujarat | Mashru Weaving, Dhabla Shawl Weaving, Kharad Weaving, Tanchoi Silk Weave, Tangaliya Weave, Patola weave, Pachedi Weave, Kachchh Shawls Kutch Weaving. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Kimkhab Weave, bhadohi carpets, Mirzapur Handmade Dari, Agra durries, Jamdani weaves, Naqsha brocade weaving . |
| Karnataka | Ilkal Weave, Molkalmuru Silk Weave, Patteda anchu sari weave, Navalgund Durries, Mysore Silk Weave, udupi sarees |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Singpho Weaving, Pailibo Weaving, Mishmi weaving, Tuensung shawls, Apatani Tsug-dul and Tsug- gdan |
| Maharashtra | Himru Weave, Paithani Weave, Ghongadi Weave, Chindi Dhurries, Karvath Kathi Sari Weaving |
What is the significance of Indian Handloom Sector?
The Indian handloom sector offers numerous benefits. Some of the advantages of the Indian Handloom Sector are mentioned below-
1. Employment Generation- The handloom industry is the second largest employment generator after agriculture in India. It employs millions of people which includes a substantial percentage from marginalized communities like SC, ST, and OBC.
2. Driver of Indian export- Indian handloom products have significant demand in over 20 countries worldwide, particularly in developed countries and the Middle East. Indian handloom product exports have maintained a robust performance, exceeding USD 300 million annually from 2016-17 to 2019-20.
3. Cultural Heritage Preservation- The Indian Handloom sector plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional craftsmanship and skills passed down through generations.
4. Environmental Sustainability- Handloom products are eco-friendly and sustainable, as they are made from organic materials without the use of chemicals or synthetic dyes. The sector’s low power consumption and minimal environmental impact make it an environmentally conscious choice for consumers.
What are the challenges with Indian Handloom Sector?
1. Competition from mass-produced textiles- Traditional Indian weaves face tough domestic and international competition from cheaper, mass-produced textiles.
2. Lack of infrastructure- The handloom sector lacks adequate infrastructure, such as reliable power supply, transportation facilities, and access to modern equipment. This hinders their productivity and efficiency.
3. Dwindling interest among the younger generation- Younger generations are less interested in pursuing traditional weaving practices. This has led to a decline in skilled artisans and it threatens the continuity of these crafts.
4. Low Economic viability- Weaving communities struggle with low wages and inconsistent income. This makes it difficult for them to sustain livelihoods and invest in modernization.
5. Access to markets- Limited access to domestic and international markets, restricts the reach of Indian weaves. This limits their opportunities for growth and profitability.
6. Sustainability concerns- Environmental issues such as water usage, chemical pollution, and unsustainable farming practices pose challenges to the sustainability of Indian weaving.
7. Increased Growth of Power looms- The power loom industry, supported by subsidies and misrepresented products such as handloom, poses a significant challenge to the handloom sector.
What are the Govt Initiatives for Indian Handloom industry?
| National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) | It is a central sector plan scheme for the integrated and comprehensive development of handlooms and welfare of handloom weavers. It focuses on establishing handloom clusters at the block level to help weaving groups become self-sustainable |
| Handloom Mark Scheme | It aims to brand handloom products and secure a premium position for them in domestic and export markets. It provides a collective identity to handloom products and assures buyers about the genuineness of the product. |
| Yarn Supply Scheme | It is implemented by the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) and state governments. It ensures regular and adequate supply of quality yarn at reasonable prices to handloom weavers. |
| Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) | It Aims to develop mega handloom clusters with at least 15,000 looms each. Provides need-based funding for interventions like technology advancement, product development, common facility centers, marketing complexes, and yarn depots. |
| Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme (HWCWS) | The scheme provides life and accidental insurance cover to handloom weavers aged 18-50 years. It offers benefits like Rs. 2 lakhs on death due to any reason and Rs. 2 lakhs for total and permanent disability. |
What Should be the Way Forward?
1. Improving Access to Raw Materials and Credit- We must aim to facilitate easy access to credit facilities for weavers by simplifying loan procedures and encouraging financial institutions to support the sector.
2. Enhancing Design and Innovation- We must encourage collaborations between weavers and design institutes to develop new designs and products.
3. Strengthening Marketing and Branding- We must expand e-commerce platforms to provide new markets and customers for handloom weavers.
4. Providing Institutional Support- We must Implement schemes like the National Handloom Development Programme and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme to provide need-based assistance to weavers.
| Read More- Invest India UPSC Syllabus- GS 3- Indian Economy |
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