Steps need to be taken to increase the production capacities of handloom sector of India from existing Rs. 60,000 crore to over Rs. 1,25,000 crore within three years, as per union minister of textiles, commerce and industry Piyush Goyal. He added that target must be set to increase exports of handloom items from existing Rs. 2,500 crore to Rs. 10,000 crore in 3 years.
Addressing an event on the occasion of the 7th National Handloom Day on Saturday, Goyal said that the nation is committed to ensuring sustainable development of the handloom sector thereby empowering handloom weavers and workers financially and instilling pride in their exquisite craftsmanship.
The minister announced that a committee will be constituted consisting of all weavers, trainers, equipment makers, marketing experts and other stakeholders to recommend ways and means to achieve the objective and improve all round progress of handloom sector.
Congratulating National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) for setting up three Handloom Craft Villages at Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala; Mohpara Village, District Golaghat, Assam; and Kanihama, Budgam, Srinagar in collaboration with the respective state governments, the minister stated that it will not only provide additional attraction for the domestic and international tourists but also promote the well-known handloom and handicraft products of the region leading to rise in weavers income. He also advised NHDC to rejuvenate this sector with new ideas thoughts and latest technological advancements as per the changing requirements.
Goyal and union state minister of textiles Darshana Jardosh jointly inaugurated Design Resource Centre at Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu and building of Weavers’ Service Centre at Raigarh, Chhatisgarh on the occasion. Virtual Buyer Seller Meet was also organised by NHDC.
