The Indian Handloom Industry is a traditional cottage industry in India with a decentralized structure. This sector provides a living for millions of people and contributes significantly to employment. One of the finest and most dynamic components of Indian cultural history is the tradition of making handicrafts and weaving by hand. This industry, which is the second-largest unorganized sector after agriculture, has the advantages of being less capital-intensive, using less power, ecofriendly, and being adaptable to market demands, among other things. However, this industry is concurrently dealing with a wide range of issues that some other industries have not. The Indian government is working to increase production and marketability, but the livelihoods of weavers are still in risk.
Handloom production currently accounts for around 14% of the overall textile industry production and is the second-largest source of employment, after agriculture. More over 43 lakh individuals were employed in weaving and related activities according to the 3rd Handloom Census performed in 2009–10, compared to 65.5 lakh persons according to the 2nd Handloom Census carried out in 1995–96. The handloom industry is not only a reminder of our past glory, but it also has a significant impact on the Indian economy today. India presently exports handloom products to over 125 countries.
The handloom industry is unique in the world because of its deep roots in India’s rich traditional, historical, and cultural diversity. There are countless products that this industry can provide for practically every segment of society. Different states in the country make handloom items. Assam’s riba, multa, and munga silks, Bihar’s bedspreads and furnishings, Delhi’s check shirtings and bed sheets, Odisha’s tie-and-dye cotton and silk saris, Maharashtra’s cotton weft saris, Karnataka’s chiffon saris, dress materials, and Uttar Pradesh’s durries, carpets, and muslin textiles are some of the polpular varieties. Since handloom is a state subject, state governments are largely in charge of its growth. The responsibility of the Central Government is to occasionally support the efforts of the State Governments through a variety of developmental initiatives and interventions.
Challenges Faced by Indian Handloom Industry
- Shortage of Raw Materials
Despite being the world’s largest cotton producer, India’s output is still poor when compared to averages across the board and to other cotton-producing nations. - Increasing Power Loom and Mill Sector Competition
When compared to the time involved in the power loom sector, the time needed to make cloth on a handloom is significantly higher. The power loom business produces cloth/fabric more cheaply and more quickly. - A Lack of Credit Options
Handloom weavers’ two main credit-related problems are a lack of loan availability and high credit costs. Credit is extremely expensive, and the handloom cooperatives’ debt accumulation makes the issue worse. - Marketing Challenges
The weavers of handloom products are unable to gauge the sort of demand that would emerge from the market since they are unable to get direct customer feedback. Because they lack any motivation to experiment with innovation in their manufacturing methods and participate in the novelty of designs, textures, and colors, they continue to manufacture classic designs.
Additionally, consumers are unable to discern between products manufactured on power looms and those made on handlooms. - Inefficiencies of The Institutions
The Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies (PWCS) have not been able to change with the globalized world’s changing environment. These species struggle with a lack of financial stability and efficacy, which is made worse by their unorganized nature. - Unorganized Nature of Industry
The handloom industry is often fragmented, has many participants, and lacks activity integration.
Way Forward to Overcome the Challenges
- Improving the availability and quality of raw materials.
- Promote Innovative Designing.
- Adoption of Successful Marketing Tactics.
- Increasing PWCS’s efficiency.
- Increase in Credit.
- Development of the infrastructure
- Enhancing Quality and Placing More Emphasis on Packaging
- Implement the cluster development approach.
- Diversification of products.
- Improving the workplace conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Indian handloom sector has a long history that dates back to time immemorial. On the other hand, the industry faces a wide range of challenges, including low productivity, globalization, a lack of working capital, rapid technological advancement, etc. Therefore, in the modern economy, the handloom industry will need to capitalize on its unique benefits.
The wise course of action is to strike a reasonable balance between keeping the profession’s cultural heritage alive and introducing modern, high-tech weavers into the weaving industry.
