Indian Handloom Sector: In Need of Positive Growth
Indian Handloom Sector: In Need of Positive Growth
The Indian handloom sector provides jobs to more than 43 lakh people in the country. Weavers and allied workers derive their livelihood and earnings from this sector. The negative growth in the handloom sector is causing concern at present. Ms. Zohra Chatterji, the Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles has issued a statement about the serious concerns regarding the health of this sector. This sector has tremendous potential for growth. But current scenario of this sector is dismal.
In the textile industry on the whole, there has been a growth of 5% despite the current economi slowdown. However, the handloom industry has been showing a negative growth. This is a matter of grave concern. The meet at which this issue was discussed was held by the National Handloom Development Corporation under the Development Commissioner for Handlooms. It was supported by the National Textile Corporation.
The current topic under discussion for ensuring the welfare of this sector is the need for establishing market linkages and building capacity as well as infrastructure. Any industrial sector can only experience growth if it can sustain a healthy demand and supply pattern. While the USP of the Indian handloom sector is its exquisite and intricate weaving, the current situation is grim.
The share of handloom production in the total production of cloth is only around 11% currently. This is in direct contrast to the massive percentage garnered by powerloom production. In fact, powerloom production contributes to around 60% of the total cloth production in the country currently.
The Indian handloom sector provides direct as well as indirect forms of employment to over 43 lakh people. For many, the handloom sector is their only means of livelihood. According to facts provided by the Ministry of Textile, the competition from the powerloom and mill sector is causing the handloom sector to suffer massive losses.
With an increase in the mechanization of cloth production, handloom fabrics are now being relegated to secondary status. Foreign brands have captured the market and youngsters in even the small towns and villages of India now prefer readymade clothes produced by big textile houses.
The massive availability of cheaper imported fabrics is now giving stiff competition to the Indian handloom sector. Changing consumer preferences and priorities are now rendering the handloom sector defunct. There is little demand for handloom fabrics as the aim is now to buy durable clothes made of synthetic or artificial fabrics.Mass produced, ready to wear clothing has taken on in a big way. The apparel and fashion retail industry has also charged ahead and left the handloom sector far behind. The vibrancy and good health of the Indian handloom sector is at stake here.
What this sector needs is a sustained marketing campaign to get better market share. Indian handloom fabrics are finely woven. They are world famous for their exquisite craftsmenship. Indian fabrics would have a huge market abroad if they are marketed well. The need for publicity and marketing campaigns to promote Indian handloom fabrics is massive. Weaves and allied workers also need to have access to reasonable wages and a good standard of living. Only if the handloom sector experiences a revival can the lives of these people take a turn for the better. The Indian handloom sector can get access to positive growth opportunities through better marketing and increased awareness about the advantages of opting for this fabric.
