Kerala - Kochi   

Measures to revive handloom sector mooted

Staff Reporter

Government support sought for modernisation of units; market access programme proposed

KOCHI: The Kerala Handloom Exporters' Organisation has mooted several measures to revive the handloom sector.

In a presentation at a workshop on evolving an export strategy for Kerala, president of the organisation C. Jayachandran said all manufacturing units should be upgraded to textile factories with power looms and auto looms, in addition to handlooms.

This would offer buyers products from all sectors ranging from the exquisite handcrafted handlooms to sophisticated modern textiles. Mr. Jayachandran said Government support was needed for modernisation of the handloom sector. Income-tax exemption on direct job generation and concessional rate for electricity were some of the other incentives sought for the handloom sector.

He said training should be given to workers in all forms of textile weaving with the objective of providing 300 working days on any of the looms in an upgraded factory. The sector would benefit greatly if the Government bears the cost of training the workers. At the same time, he said, new workers could also be trained. A market access programme by way of exhibitions and visits to overseas trade fairs could be undertaken to explore new markets, said Mr. Jayachandran.

Panchayat-level promotion of handloom activity should be encouraged with special emphasis on training of youngsters. The old `Theru' tradition should be encouraged and promoted under special schemes.

He suggested that since Kannur has a long tradition in the handloom sector, it should be given a special package to develop the handloom sector. A handloom park, an integrated textiles park, special economic zone, container freight station and export-oriented unit benefits for all units with 100 per cent export are some of the facilities sought by the Handloom Exporters' Organisations. The exporters have welcomed the initiative by the Union Government to launch Handloom Mark. This is a "remarkable" step, said Mr. Jayachandran. However, he the monetary benefit offered would not compensate for the 10 per cent difference in cost of production between handloom and power looms, he said.

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