The Government of India has introduced Integrated Handloom Development scheme, Marketing and Export promotion Scheme, Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme, Mill Gate Price Scheme and Diversified Handloom Development Scheme to be implemented during the XI Five Year Plan.
This information was information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Shri E.V.K.S. Elangovan, in the Rajya Sabha, in a written reply to a question by Shri Datta Meghe He further stated that these schemes will enable the handloom weavers to enhance production, productivity and efficiency of the handloom sector and enhance their income and socio-economic status by upgrading their skills and providing infrastructural input and marketing support.
DHD scheme include the components, with a view to create awareness among the weavers about modern colours, fashions etc, to promote handloom industries.
Regarding growth in the handloom sector, the Minister informed that this sector is highly decentralized in nature and therefore the production in handloom is estimated on the basis of domestic delivery of hank yarn in Kgs.
During the last three years handloom production has maintained a positive growth. Since 2004-05, a consistent increase in production of handloom fabrics has been witnessed with the production rising from 5722 mn sq. mtre in 2004-05, 6263mn sq.mtre, in 2005-2006, 6536 mn.sq.mtr in 2006-07.
During the current year, 2007-08 (upto January) also, the production of fabrics has reached to 5797 mn.sq.mtre (Prov) and it is anticipated to reach upto 7865 mn sq. mtre upto March, 2008.
