Date:01/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/01/stories/2008080159770200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Handloom weavers should adopt improvised techniques: Minister

Staff Reporter

MADURAI: Handloom weavers should focus on modernising the process and go for improvised weaving techniques, dyeing methods and diversification of products to exploit the market conditions in the textile sector, said N. K. K. P. Raja, Minister for Handlooms and Textiles.

He inaugurated the ‘Nilayur Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme’ and an awareness programme at Tirupparankundram near here recently.

He said that the purpose of the programme was to bring holistic growth in handlooms and to make handloom weaving a lucrative proposition bringing better income at all levels, so that weavers continued with their profession and the society did not lose some of its rich tradition in textiles.

He also distributed identity cards to cluster members.

Stating that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government had put in concrete efforts to improve the sector, he assured the weavers that marketing linkages would be arranged and possibilities for exports would be explored.

A. Tamilarasi, Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, in her speech, said that the scheme’s major aim was to improve the economic condition of weavers and the State would fully support the cause of weavers.

Special Officer-cum- Managing Director of Cooptex M. P. Nirmala said that 28 schemes would be introduced for the welfare of weavers.