Context
National Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (NHDC) to organise the handloom expo under the aegis of the Ministry of fabrics, Government of India which will conclude on 16th August, 2024.
About
- The collection “VIRAASAT”- the “Exclusive Handloom Expo” is a continuation of celebrations held during previous years across the National Handloom Day.
- It focuses on the glorious tradition of Handloom and Handicrafts.
- It additionally affords a market connection to the handloom weavers and artisans.
About sector
- The Indian handloom and textile sector includes a high range of activities, including the manufacturing of yarn, material, and finished clothes.
- Handloom weavers throughout the country produce a variety of fabrics and garments using traditional techniques.
- Textile Industry includes both the organised and unorganized sectors.
- The industry is categorised into spinning, weaving, and garment manufacturing.
- Handloom sector contributes considerably to the country’s GDP and employs a big part of the workforce.
- The uniqueness of products which include Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Baluchari, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua and Tangaliya to name a few attracts customers across the globe with exclusives weaves, designs, and conventional motifs.
Importance
- Livelihoods opportunities and financial development : It offers livelihoods to millions and also plays a critical position in keeping conventional crafts and fostering economic development.
- The Handloom sector employs 35 lakh men and women without delay or circuitously that is next handiest to the rural sector within the country.
- Cultural Heritage: Handloom weaving is deeply intertwined with India’s cultural material.
- It represents centuries-old traditions, nearby diversity, and difficult designs exceeded down through generations.
- Empowering Women: Handloom weaving offers women with economic independence and empowerment.
- Eco-Friendly: Handloom products are much less capital-intensive, use minimum power, and are environmentally pleasant.
- Authenticity : They offer authenticity and uniqueness that machine-made fabrics may not replicate.
- Other services : Handloom sector having the benefit of pliability of small manufacturing run, uniqueness, innovation and adaptability to the exports requirement.
- This sector can make contributions towards export earnings.
Challenges
- Unorganised Structure: Most handloom weavers paintings independently or in small clusters.
- Lack of systemized manufacturing hampers their capability to satisfy large orders with regular high-quality and well timed transport.
- Market Access and shortage of modernity : Weavers struggle to access markets directly.
- Many handloom units nonetheless depend upon traditional techniques, which can be much less efficient compared to modern machinery.
- Infrastructure gaps, ability limitations, and design constraints preclude their capacity to cater to market demands efficiently.
Steps
- The Government of India has launched the various schemes for Handloom for branding of high-quality products with zero defects and zero effect on the environment to inspire and to give a distinct identification to the goods, apart from highlighting the individuality of the goods.
- Swadeshi Movement which was launched on 7th August, 1905 had endorsed indigenous industries and specifically handloom weavers.
- In 2015, the Government of India decided to commemorate the seventh of August every year as the National Handloom Day.
- The “Handloom Mark” scheme was delivered to certify and sell handloom products.
- The Ministry of fabrics has additionally launched diverse schemes along with the “Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme” to assist weavers with economic resource, skill development, and market access.
- The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) is being applied within the country. Main components of NHDP are Concessional Credit, Handloom Marketing Assistance, and Block Level Clusters.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- India’s handloom and textile sector is a dynamic and vital part of the country of america’s financial system, blending tradition with modernity.
- With ongoing assistance from the authorities and a developing emphasis on sustainability and innovation, the sector is well-positioned to thrive in the future.
- The Government endeavours to ensure sustainable development of the handloom sector thereby empowering our handloom weavers and people financially and instilling satisfaction in their first rate craftsmanship.
- Still ,There is a need for technological upgradation to enhance productivity and quality.
- Local supply chains want to be bolstered and greater emphasis is needed for 3S – talent, velocity and scale, to fulfil the imaginative and prescient of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and strong supply chains will allow India to gain a manufacturing target of $250 billion in conjunction with exports really worth $100 billion through 2030.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Analyze the factor for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (2013)