Innovative Printing on Handloom Cotton Fabric

Handloom forms a precious part of the generational legacy and exemplifies the richness and diversity of our culture and artistry of the weavers. Tradition of weaving by hand is a part of the countrys cultural ethos. It represents an ancient craft with rich heritage providing a great source of sustenance for millions of artisans. It is estimated that handloom industry provides employment to approximately 65 lakhs workforces directly or indirectly and about 35 lakhs of handlooms in numerous varieties are scattered all over the country. The element of art and craft present in Indian handlooms makes it a potential sector for the upper segments of domestic and global markets. Handloom sector has been catering fully to the domestic niche and cheap markets, as well as value-added exports in the international markets and are still playing a vital role owing to its indispensable performance for the special quality of products mainly either of silk or of cotton fibres with adequate aristocracy. Handloom is unparalleled in its flexibility and versatility, permitting experimentation and encouraging innovation. However, in the present context of globalization and rapid technological developments, handloom sector is beset with many challenges and the handloom products are being replicated on powerlooms at much lower price. There is a need to strengthen this sector given the employment potential and market demand for handloom products. Hence product diversification through innovative printing is very much essential for the survival of this rich cultural heritage of India. Innovative and novel designs can be produced on handloom cotton fabric by adopting different innovative printing methods without involving costly infrastructure to create fancy effect on the handloom products for the ever changing fashion market.

Introduction

Handloom textiles constitute a timeless facet of the rich cultural heritage of India. Handloom sectors have been acknowledged by everyone as the biggest source of employment and is a traditional profession being practiced in India for centuries together. This sector occupies a place second only to agriculture in providing livelihood to the people. It is estimated that handloom industry provides employment to 65 lakh workforces directly or indirectly and there are about 35 lakh handlooms spread all over India. The production of handloom fabrics is estimated to be approximately 6536 million square meters during 2006-07 (Annual Report 2007-08, Ministry of Textile) and contributes 16% of total textile production in India. The element of art and craft present in Indian handlooms makes it a potential sector for the domestic niche and cheap markets, as well as value-added exports in the international markets. It is expected that with increasing population and prosperity, the domestic and international market size will expand and per capita consumption will increase. The sector has an edge over the powerloom and mill sectors in its ability to commercially produce the goods in small volumes, openness to innovations, switch over to new designs, adoptability to suit suppliers requirement and creation of exquisite design. However, in the present context of globalization, the sector is beset with manifold problems and challenges. With the technological developments, the handloom products are being increasingly replicated on powerlooms at much lower cost. Hence product diversification through weaving and innovative printing is very much essential for the survival of handloom sector. Weaving on handlooms is predominantly cotton; the future yarn consumption pattern is expected to be equality shared between cotton and other fibres.

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Review of Silk Handloom Weaving In Assam

Assam, the state having highest number of handlooms in India is unique with its silk weaving culture, as the handloom sector. Fly shuttle handlooms and 120 hook jacquards are benignly used in the Assam for silk weaving. Traditional designs and products still are the major type of fabrics woven for the domestic market. Presented here is an overview of silk weaving in Assam detailing the sericulture in the state, hand loom industry, structure of the silk handloom sector with a special emphasis on Kamrup district, the issues hindering its growth and the interventions needed for the improvement of the same.

Handloom history in India can be traced back to Indus Valley civilization. Several era of Indian history mentions the flourishing trade of textiles in domestic as well as export markets. India is currently the world's largest producer of handloom products with a total production of more than 5,000 million meters in the year 2005. Among the products produced in India, the most celebrated ones include Jamdani, Ikkat, Kota, Banarasi and Patola. It is estimated that there are about 12.5 million people dependent on hand loom weaving in India. In the entire country, there are more than 38 lakh hand looms. In northeastern states alone, there are more than 15 lakh handlooms. Detailed statewise distribution of 470 handloom clusters across India is provided by the 1995-96 survey as given in the following table 1. It is worthy to note that among the 20 major clusters of India (with handlooms more than 50,000) 14 of them are in Assam state.

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A Synopsis of Dexterity and Skills of Chirala Cluster

The Chirala handloom cluster is famous for producing its invincible variety of fabrics which brought name and fame not only to the State but also to the nation.

The Chirala handloom Cluster is situated on Bay of Bengal where 'CHIRA' means Saree. Commonly known as 'Mini Mumbai' for its textile market, the Chirala cluster is located in 'Prakasam' district of Andhra Pradesh. Around 25000 weavers of the total weavers are working on 18000 handlooms. Chirala cluster weavers are classified as independent weavers, kooly weavers, shed weavers and master weavers. This area is famous for its production of traditional varieties of zari sarees and dhotis which is limited for local market. The "Real Madras handkerchiefs" is being manufactured with art silk and zari (metallic thread glittering like gold) on jacquard looms and exported to African countries. The improvement in the living conditions of the weaver is the result of introduction of this exportable variety and its popularity in the weavers of this area has also contributed in earning foreign exchange to the nation. The cloth is attracting the consumers in foreign countries because of its attractive and glittering design and texture. The "Real Madras Handkerchiefs" variety is also being manufactured in the countries like Bangladesh and China. The quality of the fabric will not give any anomalous odour to the cloth because of the climatic conditions maintained during the process of dyeing.

Products

The products of the Chirala cluster are sarees, dress material, Real Madras Handkerchiefs, lungies, shritings, handkerchiefs etc.

Sarees are broadly categorized in to three varieties:

• Ordinary cotton sarees ranges from Rs.180 to 350
• Seiko sarees ranges from Rs. 600 to 1500
• Kuppadam (Gadwal type) sarees varies from Rs.1400 to 2200

The Cluster scheme

Cluster scheme is a key for empowering handloom weavers and enhancing their capacity to sustain global competition with self-reliance. It has helped in facilitating collection of handloom weavers and service providers for procurement, production, and marketing to promote sustainable growth and diversification. It provides common infrastructure for development of handloom cluster in holistic manner for participative decision making. This has also been an encouraging convergence of assistance and support services for optimum utilization of resources for betterment of the livelihood and quality of life of handloom weavers.

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Insight of Gadag Handloom Cluster

Majority of the Handlooms in the Cluster are working under the patronage of the KHDC. The Handloom weavers who work for KHDC produce furnishing, Terry towels, Bed sheets, Suiting, Shirting, floor coverings, tablemats ,Cut shuttle durries, etc. The remaining weavers in the Cluster limit themselves in producing silk, silk mix and cotton traditional saree, almost all the weavers in the cluster are depending on job work. The weavers working under KHDC get raw materials from KHDC and they surrender their woven fabrics to the KHDC, The weavers who get the raw materials from cooperative societies produces for respective cooperative societies, the weavers under the master weavers to their master weavers, the weavers of khadi board to their respective khadi board. These weavers are paid the conversion charges on piece rate basis. Only the tiny weavers do their business on their own.

The KHDC and Khadi Board market their products through the chain of its sales outlets, and directly to different government institutions. The cooperatives and the small manufacturer weavers supply their goods to local retailers and wholesalers. The tiny weavers are selling their products in the local market directly to the consumer or to the local trader.

It has been observed in the value chain analysis that the local traders enjoy greater margin than the others. But proper intervention for cost reduction in inputs through bulk purchase helps to improve pre-processing methods. Upgrading the designs for value addition of the product, introduction of direct selling mechanism instead of the trader will help increase in the earning of the weavers and the margins of the entrepreneurs.

The linkages of the core actors with most of the public service providers are very weak. With the exception of the weaver service centre and the Handloom and textiles Department linkages with other service providers have to be strengthened.

Since all the support institutions are existing in the cluster there is large scope for intervention in all the major areas such as design development, value addition to product, up gradation of technique, product diversification, establishment of CFC, Common marketing facility, Brand Equity etc.

Gadag Handloom Cluster

Gagad Handloom cluster is a famous cotton trading centre for Jayadhar variety of cotton. It has occupied 70kms surrounding area of Gadag.

History of the Gadag Cluster shows the rise and fall of its products. Even the products manufactured have been changed from ordinary cotton saris to mercerized cotton saris and high quality of silk saris. Today more than 50% of the production is only of the cotton saris. Though the profit margin is meager in cotton saris but enjoys better demand compared to silk saris. These "Gaadi dhadi" traditional saris are largely worn by women of north Karnataka and some parts of Maharashtra. These people prefer these saris for almost all their cultural and traditional functions because of its combination of harmonious colors, quality and richness.

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Demand For Handicraft Has Boosted The Growth Of Small Scale Industries!

When there is modern design on khadi cotton and khadi silk, people will like it more. There is a blend of traditional with the modern style. This concept is quite popular in the fashion industry as well. Indian garments are known to create such a unique blend of conventional with modern, which is manufactured no where else in the world.

Handloom, sericulture and handicrafts are popular across the globe. There are more number of customers for handloom products rather than machine made products. You can get intricate work and fine designs only in the hand made products manufactured by the small scale and cottage industries. Promoting such industries will in turn eradicate unemployment in the rural countries. It would also bring about decentralization of the industrial sectors.

It forms a perfect gift for a special occasion too. Bed spreads, beautifully embroidered table cloth, woollen items, kanjeevaram sarees, kitchen wares, bibelots, scarves, shawls, textiles, embroidered and knitted goods, zari items are made in cottage industries. Most of them prefer wearing hand woven sarees made in cottage industries due to the intricacy of work and its durability. You can get your sarees customized and get an embossed look by creating a base in gold and the pattern can be done in silk.

Minakari work, kanjeevaram work, party sarees, bandhani, patola, embroidered tinsel work, gujrathi brocade, paithani, gadwal, chanderi and maheshwari, bollywood types and baluchari from the east India, you will find a volley of saree types. Gujarat, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Western Madhya Pradesh are known for their handloom work. They are more popular for their dyeing rather than weaving techniques. You can find online gallery of Indian Paintings, consisting of magnificent Madhubani paintings, mysterious Warli paintings, Patachitras, Tribal Paintings, Thangka Paintings and minakari paintings too.

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Kancheepuram Saree Cluster Weathered Cost Pressures in Slowdown

While 75% of Zari comes from Gujarat where it's a cottage industry, the rest comes from the government-owned Tamil Nadu Zari, which is one of its kinds in the country. The silk is mostly sourced from Karnataka, which produces 60-70% of the country's requirement according to an official of the Central Silk Board. There are others who are using a higher percentage of silver.

For example, Nalli Silks that does about Rs.450 crores of turnover incorporates a 60% silver content in its sarees, says Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty whose family founded the brand in Chennai: "The zari proportion for us is 60% silver, 0.5% gold, 23.5% silk and the rest would be other chemicals." And with prices from Rs.6, 000 to Rs.99, 000, demand for its sarees is still strong, claims Chetty.

While smarter blends in the zari are helping producers trim costs, there's a risk to this as fakes abound. "Customers can never tell the difference, and fraudsters are at bay to a large extent," says Palanisamy. This prompted the government to install XRF Analyser machines where anyone can get the silver and gold content of a saree analysed.

A single machine costs around Rs.19 lakh and there are only two of them in the city. This has helped preserve authenticity of the Kancheepuram saree, which was registered three years ago under the Geographical Indication (GI) Act. The GI status means that any saree sold as a Kancheepuram saree should follow the prescribed weight, quality and zari norms and should be woven in that district only. Anyone selling fakes can be booked under the Act.

On the design front, both private players and handloom cooperatives are enlisting the expertise of the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad, and National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Chennai, to churn out designs that would appeal to young, affluent consumers.

Arignar Anna Silk Handloom Cooperative with about Rs.30 crore sales last year, prices its sarees the same irrespective of whether they are sold within or outside. Kancheepuram. R Tamilarasi, Joint Director, handlooms and textiles, says that while this impacts profitability it brings in higher volumes to offset this.

"Traditional high-end sarees are still very much in demand but for less formal occasions the fancier sarees are doing better," she says. The fancier sarees are the new designs, of lesser weight and six yards long, in comparison to the nine-yard saree that the bride wears in a traditional wedding. The handloom organisations, depending on their size, have a reach throughout their main customer base, which is Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

The reason for the demand being restricted mostly to the people of the above states is that people in the northern states want more ornamentation, lesser weight and more intricate designs, something that the Banarasi silk saree weavers are known for, says D. Thirunavukkarasu, Assistant Director of the Kancheepuram Thiruvalluvar Silk Weavers Cooperative, which had sales of around Rs.15 crore last year.

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Art of Its Own Kind: Bargarh Cluster

Handloom and handicrafts is one of the oldest and renowned cottage industries in India. Despite the blitz of modernization in industrial sector and the proliferation of power looms and composite textile mills in sovereign India, this industry continues to occupy a major place in the country's economy. In an inadequate capital and superfluous labour economy like India, this conventional cottage industry has been a major source of employment and livelihood to the people subsequent to agriculture. During the year 1988-89, it provided impressive employment to 7.8 million persons and indirect employment to 1.5 persons per every weaver in the loom engaged in production. Bargarh Handloom cluster is spread over the entire Block of Bargarh, Attabira, Bijepur and Sohella. The cluster has around 7000 looms as per the survey wherein 5000 are working in different villages over the area. The main products of the cluster are cotton sarees of tie and dye and small amount of dress materials, lungis and napkins etc. The annual production sums up to around Rs. 10 Crores. The products of this area are mostly marketed in Orissa and nationwide. The Handloom cluster is said to represent Orissa in Tie and Dye Cotton Sarees as no other clusters of other districts in Orissa produces such art.

The weaving is done by the traditional weavers' community popularly known as "Bhulia" which came in to existence during 17th century and later on, they spread to other proximate places. The cluster consists of substantial number of professional weavers (Non traditional) from Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe (Kuli caste) weavers, which in total accounts for 60 %. Generally these weavers are less skilled and engaged in production of Napkin, Lungi, Sarees, Dhotis, etc.

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Indian Silk Industry ‘turns over a new leaf’ with novelty

With innovations fuelling every single field, the Indian Silk Industry is not left behind.

Silk industry occupies a unique position in India. The country is the second largest silk manufacturer contributing to 18% of the total raw silk production. Sericulture is an important cottage industry in India. This is a labor intensive industry operating on around 54,000 villages all over the country. An assortment of silk varieties such as Mulberry, Tasar, Eri, Muga etc are grown. The industry is generous enough providing job opportunities, and livelihood for more than 6 million people in the rural areas.

The industry has shown significant growth both domestically and internationally fuelled by new innovations in the field. The ability of the industry to grow is combined with huge innovation opportunities coupled with the skills of the craftsman.

Eco Friendly Silk Fabric:

The state of Tamil Nadu has come up with a new way of extracting silk from cocoons without killing the silk worms. These eco friendly silk saris are made using eco-friendly methods of cultivating mulberry silk from the Bombyx Mori worms. By the texture, look, and the feel it is seldom possible to differentiate between a conventional and the eco-friendly sari. These silk fabrics would cost a little more than the ones made through the conventional process due to the complex process involved in its making, but it is worth the cost. As such it is an Ahimsa Sari.

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Indian Handlooms - From the Charkha to Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week

'Indian Handlooms', a term that spells exquisity, ebullience and enunciate a multifarious equip of excogitating designs, both ethnic and modernistic. Providing livelihood to 90 million people, the level of artistry and intricacy achieved by Indian handloom fabrics is unparalleled and beyond the scope of modern machinery, preserving its heritage and culture.

With a long tradition of excellence in its craftsmanship, Indian handloom is said to have dated back to the ancient ages. The earliest Indian fragment of cloth (before the Christian era) with a hansa (swan) design was excavated from a site near Cairo. Later excavations from Harappan sites revealed a scrap of coarse madder dyed cloth and a terracotta spindle whorls which evidenced their expertise over handlooms, Indian handlooms, to be more specific.

The turning point of Indian handlooms and its weavers is said to be Indias independence i.e. 15th of august, 1947. The Charkha acted as a symbol of national regeneration, as propagated by Mahatma Gandhi, and the focus on the weavers of Indian handlooms during the Indian freedom movement was largely responsible for the breakthrough. And at the dawn of independence, Indian handloom industry became the largest cottage industry of the country, a point of recognition which is still maintained.

Indian handlooms cater to the needs of a diverse cultural ethos ranging from exquisite fabrics to popular items of mass production for daily use. A village without a weaver is a myth in the Indian scenario; millions of looms across the country are busy producing the traditional beauty of a precious heritage called Indian handlooms.

Undoubtedly cotton gave the splendid weavers of Indian handloom their resplendent expression but silk and woolen cloths also originated during the pre-Vedic era, endemic to India. In the world of handlooms there are muslin of Chanderi, silk brocades of Varanasi, the ikats from Andhra and Orissa, the tie and dye from Rajasthan and Gujrat, the phulkari and khes of Punjab, jacquards from Uttar Pradesh, the phenek, tongam and bottle designs from Assam and Manipur, and lots more.

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Cluster Project on Branding Strategies for SUVAS

This project is sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and Commissioner, Rural Development, Government of Gujarat aims at promotion of Crafts & Textile Clusters and their distinctive styles for higher value realization. Over 9 million artisans are employed in this unorganized sector in India who has been gradually marginalized due to competitive pressure of dynamically shifting market and globalization. The Cluster Development Initiative of NIFT endeavors both the vision building and capacity building objectives for approximate 2,000 rural artisans of Surendranagar District engaged in Khadi, Single Ikat, Tangaliya, Brass ware and Stoneware through Design Development and Diversification, Skill upgradation training, Innovation, Technological upgradation, Formation of self-help groups for linkages with markets & financial institutions for sustainable income generation.

Objectives of Study

• To study the current state of handloom cluster and SUVAS and the approach it is marketed
• To develop brand image, branding strategies for the organization SUVAS

Research methodology

The methodology adopted for this project is primarily based on Primary research and in depth study of the artisans and the members of SUVAS. Moreover secondary sources of information are also referred to. The primary data is collected by interviewing the artisans in an unstructured manner. The present state of market and its projection in the coming years are taken into consideration. The strategies thus evolved are focusing on long term objective of developing and sustaining the brand in the competitive market of handicrafts.

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Trade Fairs: Opportunity for Handlooms and Handicraft Fraternity

Designed with the intent to provide a platform to the juvenile arts of cottage as well as large scale industries, Trade fairs are organized to meet the prospective customers in person in a concise period of time economically. With inventive marketing and booth allotment, small businesses can actually appear as significantly as any big organization. As per the estimates, 44% of the firms that exhibit at business-to-business shows have less than 50 employees. The entrepreneurs are accompanied by Master craftsperson, Assistant Crafts persons, Jobbers, Draftspersons and Artists.

Urbane exhibitors do well at trade shows no matter what their unit size is, while the inexperienced and raw industries can waste thousands of dollars and innumerable hours possibly gaining nothing at all. Financial Utilization of these fairs effectively involves only a slight effort and viable planning. Trade fairs have now grown popular and is considered the Hot spot for buyers looking out for some contemporary buying styles.

In an elite discussion of Fibre2fashion with Mr. Malieq Shaabaz ( Director of Shaabaz Group, Singapore and Representative of Zak Trade Fairs and Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd.) in Singapore quotes, " Personally, I feel trade fairs are a boon for handlooms and handicrafts because they have so much to display and exhibit and buyers can get huge variety at a single location." He has no question of doubt to say that, "Those who are interested are satisfied and there is no effect of market forces on the buying will and power of an individual." He also adds, "Its all about the mindset of the buyer because we cannot ignore one of the bare facts of economy that the downtrend of industry always results in uptrend of another."

Keeping track of the enduring and forthcoming trade shows, exhibitions, events, expositions, seminars, conferences and workshops in the handicraft industry may provide trade leads. Engrossed companies may keep detailed information on the upcoming Trade Fairs, handicraft trade shows, art and craft exhibitions, craft trade expositions and events and all sorts on industry convention and events, on a regular basis.

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Long Lasting Reverberation of Recession: Impact on Indian Handloom Industry

Indian Textile Industry is the principal employer among all the industries of the country, yet it has a very small share in the global market. But handloom sector, the primary branch of textiles, is considered as the major for its established capacity. This is because India is the only country which produces handloom on a marketable scale. Economic meltdown has impacted on Indian Textile Industries as a result of which many export orders are getting cancelled and labourers depending on this Industry are almost on the brink of loosing their source of revenue. Over 90 percent units in the textile and clothing are in the SME sector, which is also the most labour intensive sector in our industry as a whole.

The entire textile value chain is currently enduring a severe crisis. With such a situation continuing a bit longer, lakhs of workers who earn their livelihood through this industry will be pushed into the category of Below Poverty Line (BPL) and its high time that the impact of recession on labour and livelihoods in Handloom sector should be taken care of and necessary strategies and policies should be implemented to prevent further damage.
Current Scenario

It appears that the global meltdown being witnessed prominently in the financial markets is all set to ruin the Handloom industry, which is currently facing a tough time. On one hand the prepared saris are not getting sold off in abundance like before, on the other hand the export orders appears to face a downward trend in near future. The Silk industry, which was facing a tough time due to other factors, is likely to face a major nudge in the coming days resulting into literal starvation of many people. Be it handlooms or power looms both methods of preparing handloom garments are threatened by crisis following the present situation in which the people related to this industry are failing to get work even for a month or two. They hardly get to work for just 15 days, which affects the daily wages of a lot of people. Exporters are also facing a tough time due to the declining demand for the handloom products. The classic Banarasi sarees of India are purchased by the rich strata people of India and across the globe and later by the victims of crisis. Till few years back the silk Banarasi sarees were extremely adored handloom products in the world. The Banarasi fabric is an indispensable material, traditionally used for marriage and party purposes.......

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Trends in Handicrafts Industry

Handlooms and Handicrafts Sector craved for growth since quite a few years, which has now actually turned prolific. No doubt, India has an edge against its competitors like China, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan and Korea who generally produce machine-made products. Indian handmade products have a niche market all over the world creating a distinct impact through exclusive designs, workmanship, finesse, colors and raw material etc. The sector shows a not so significant growth in the 2009-10 fiscal but grows substantially in the first half of the 2010-11 fiscal. Keeping in view the trend, the sector is expected to show phenomenal results by the end of 2011.

Result Fetching Units

The swiftly rising growth in handicraft exports came about after a two-year collapse, from the second half of the last financial year, and the upward trend continues till date. Although there has been an increase in all product categories, however the increase fashion accessories has been commendable. Fashion product section comprise of costume jewellery, hand-printed textiles and scarves, embroidered and crocheted garments, bags and purses, zari supplies, footwear, shawls, belts, chappals, and stoles etc. The average growth of the Fashion accessories section has been around 32% in the first three months of the current fiscal year....

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Integrated Handloom Cluster Development Scheme

Introduction

When the era is of globalization and we have plentiful of imports from international markets of US and China, we need to observe that how far can our national products maintain their identity and create a more vivid presence. This has now become one of the critical issues to draw our attention. Here we have an undoubted advantage that is accepted even by those who want to shove our handloom industry to constraint it to the niche market. Orissa-Sambalpuri, Bengal-jamdani, Gujarat-leheria, Maharashtra-Paithan, Andhra-ikkat, the silks of Kanchipuram, and the list are endless. New varieties appear from time to time, like Manglagiri bordered fabric that swept the country long back is still going strong. Uniqueness of these handloom fabrics must be treasured, sheltered and armoured. The handloom industry is dispersed throughout the villages and cities, circumventing the effluence of concerted production as are there in powerlooms.

Many of the producer regions are closely linked to their local markets, others such as Chirala in Andhra supply distant but specific markets through composite trade and credit associations. If this blend of factors is considered to be an incredible asset that it is, and if policies can be framed to encourage and support the potency of the handloom industry, we can have a perfect opportunity to develop an unequaled textile industry. India has over 38, 00,000 weaving industries and more than 15, 00,000 domestic weaving industries have been set up in the states of North and Eastern parts of India. On the other hand, the southern states also have their huge share of weaving industries, for example, the southern state of Andhra Pradesh houses some 3, 20,000 weaving industries. Most of the clusters are situated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and West Bengal. Along with these centers, the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh also have numerous centers for weaving. All these sectors are engaged in the production of unique varieties of weaving products. Both the weaving sectors of northern and southern India are engaged in the weaving production for the domestic market only.

Though every State is home to a range of unique fabrics in hundreds of designs, colors and textures, kept alive by over 13 million weaver families, Indian fabrics constitute less than 2 per cent of the world textile trade. Even this is competitive because of the low wages paid to the weavers, who have demonstrated enormous resilience and sustained the industry by squeezing them. The government has introduced an Integrated Indian Handloom Clusters Development Scheme (IHCDS) in 20 selected handloom clusters of the country out of the 470 clusters in order to sustain and escalate the sector. Under this scheme, each of these 20 clusters is to be developed within four years at the cost of around Rs. 20 million. Each cluster comprises around 5,000 handlooms. Finest and exclusive handloom products developed by these 20 clusters under the IHCD scheme had been displayed in a handloom cluster gallery of an expo organized in 2009. Handloom and handicraft sector needs additional sops for development, pertaining to which the Textile Ministry will speak to the Commerce Ministry to prop up the sector.

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