In a recent development, weavers under handloom cooperatives in Ernakulam have finally received their long-overdue arrears for weaving school uniform fabric, providing much-needed relief. However, the traditional handloom sector is facing a severe yarn shortage, exacerbating challenges in an industry marked by attrition and a lack of fresh recruitment.
The Khadi school uniform programme, introduced in 2016 to revitalise Kerala’s traditional handloom industry, has been a lifeline for many weavers. Nevertheless, the local yarn production unit in the cooperative sector is unable to meet the state’s demands, leading to reliance on yarn imports from other regions.
The escalating price of yarn, especially during and post-pandemic, has further compounded the issues faced by weavers, plunging them into financial distress. With payment delays for handloom materials and uncertainties surrounding the uniform programme’s future, weavers in Ernakulam are grappling with an uncertain future.
Despite efforts to promote original handloom products, weavers continue to face challenges, with Vishu sales falling short and a lack of significant improvement in the demand for quality Khadi materials. The sector’s viability remains under threat as it navigates through these challenging times.
