Assam Handloom sector

Handlooms have been an integral part of the State’s culture since time immemorial. Rural households in the State are just incomplete with a handloom. With intricate designs, colours and motifs the handloom products of the State have carved a special niche for themselves. Be it the Gamocha, Dakhana or Arnai they have successfully managed to hold on despite the onslaught of modern fabrics and designs. However, what has of late emerged as a matter of serious concern is that these indigenous handloom products are facing threats from the products rolled out from the power loom industries of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Copying the traditional designs and colours the outside mills are flooding the State with their products and worse still selling them at cheaper rates. For the local weavers it has become quite impossible to compete with the outside mills. If this trend were allowed to be carried on, it would become almost impossible for the local weavers to carry on with the age- old practice.It is high time the Government came forward with a series of comprehensive measures to ensure the survival of the State’s handloom sector. Steps should be initiated to get the textile designs which are unique to the State patented. Entry taxes should be levied on textile items, which can threaten the handloom sector. Apart from taking a series of protective steps the Government should also initiate measures to modernise and revitalise this important sector, which for long was running on in its own steam. Supply of high quality yarn at affordable price needs to be ensured to the weavers as the quality of yarn has always been a problem. Proper training facility to weavers is a must as it would not only help in enhancing their skills but would also help them to be aware about the latest advancements taking place in the textile sector. It would in turn help in making the traditional handloom products trendy and attractive. The Government agencies should also come forward and assist the weavers in establishing proper market linkages so that they need not depend on the long chain of intermediaries to sell their produce. It would be very sad if the Government fails to protect and promote the handloom sector, which is something much more than a mere economic activity. source: assam tribune