The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Minister promises sufficient funds for textile modernisation

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Monday, Mar 12, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Minister promises sufficient funds for textile modernisation

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The Centre will allot sufficient funds to modernise the textile industry to enable destitute farmers to find alternative income, Minister of State for Textiles E.V.K.S Elangovan said on Sunday.

In the next seven years, the number of those employed in the agricultural sector would go down from 65 per cent to 45 per cent. The modernisation drive would help the remaining 20 per cent find employment in the textile industry, he said at a function organised by the Anakaputhur Jute Weavers Association to launch an eco-friendly sari created by its president C. Sekar.

Marketing skills

Weavers' associations should develop marketing skills and go in for more innovations in design. If need be, a centre to showcase the creations of weavers would also be set up in either Chennai or Madurai or Coimbatore. Condemning the Sri Lankan Navy's attack on Indian fishermen, Mr. Elangovan said the Centre would hold talks with the Sri Lankan Government in the next few days.

The eco-friendly sari was created out of 25 natural fibres, including cotton, silk, wool, jute, bamboo, coconut, kemp, linen, palm leaf, rice, banana, pineapple, viscose and sisal, Mr. Sekar said. If commercialised, he said, such innovations would help to generate income for weavers and self-help groups. The Government and financial institutions should fund such projects. He also called for a jute model village near Anakaputhur to help traditional weavers.

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