Boosting Market Linkages in the Textile & Handloom Sector

Boosting Market Linkages in the Textile & Handloom Sector

ALL LADIES LEAGUE – the women’s wing of Assocham, India’s apex and oldest industry chamber-organized a session on Boosting Market Linkages in the Textile & Handloom Sector, in Hyderabad on April 11, 2013. Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi Union Minister of State for Textiles was the Chief Guest at the event.

While addressing the panel and audience, Smt. Lakshmi said, “Despite the global economic slowdown, the country’s export of handloom products may increase by 30-35 per cent this fiscal. She said that Last fiscal; handloom exports touched $156 million.

“Foreign buyers get attracted to the traditional designs and vibrant colors of the fabrics. This is something weavers should capitalize on,??? the Minister pointed out. She said India had nearly 27.83 lakh handloom households, out of which 87 per cent was located in the rural areas. This sector accounted for a share of 19 per cent of the total cloth produced in the country. Handloom is the second largest employment provider after agriculture, generating employment for more than 65 lakh weavers and workers.

She said the Centre was willing to provide financial support to states that were prepared to set up common facility centers at handloom clusters. These centers would also provide a marketing platform for the weavers and help them get better prices for their products. Currently, India had about 612 handloom clusters, out of which 53 are located in Andhra Pradesh.

The Government was also encouraging development of various e-marketing platforms on the lines set up by the Central Cottage Industries Corporation and the Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation. “The Hyderabad Chapter of ALL also proposed a handloom industry revival plan through creation of market linkages, sustainable platforms for showcasing of products, spreading awareness on Government policies and certification of the authenticity of the handloom products??? said Ms. Suman Gahlot, Chapter Chairperson, Hyderabad Chapter, ALL, & General Manager of Taj Deccan.