Date:19/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/19/stories/2008081952690300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Fillip for Balaramapuram handloom weavers

Special Correspondent

IHCDP aims at sustainable development of weavers

Buyer-seller meet on October 17, 18
Handloom weavers brought under one umbrella

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The handloom industry in Balaramapuram is expected to get a fresh lease of life with the implementation of the Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Programme (IHCDP) under the joint aegis of the Union Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles and the Kerala State Handloom Development Corporation.

Hitherto, marketing of handloom dhotis, saris and other products of Balaramapuram was confined to markets in the State. But, this is set to change with the handloom buyer-seller meet scheduled to be held in the city on October 17 and 18 under the aegis of the IHCDP. Major buyers from the southern States will attend the meet, where the traditional weavers of Balaramapuram can exhibit their wares.

About 42 per cent of the looms in the State are in Balaramapuram. But, 90 per cent of handloom exports are from Kannur and Kozhikode districts. The weavers of Balaramapuram still use the traditional method and have not made much innovation in marketing techniques.

The IHCDP aims at sustainable development of the weavers and equipping them to tackle the challenges of the global market. Of the 20 clusters sanctioned in the country, the Thiruvananthapuram cluster was sanctioned for the State for four years from 2006 to 2010. A sum of Rs.21.25 lakh was sanctioned for 2006-07, Rs.67.45 lakh for 2007-08 and Rs.29.05 lakh for 2008-09. Some of the major achievements of the programme include setting up of a thread bank at Balaramapuram, distribution of weaving implements at 75 per cent subsidy, production of value-added products, conducting exhibition-cum-sale in Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities and formation of 90 handloom self-help groups.

As many as 5,000 weavers who were scattered in Parassala, Perumgadavila, Nemom, Athiyanoor, Kazhakootam, Vamanapuram, Chirayinkeezh blocks were brought under one umbrella and they have been working with renewed vigour under the programme.

It will provide sustained employment and income for the weavers.