Gandhinagar, Aug 6
Gujarat's handloom sector is weaving a strong comeback with over Rs 290 crore worth of handloom products sold in 2024–25 by more than 246 handloom cooperative societies across the state, government officials said on Wednesday.
Backed by the Gujarat government's pro-weaver policies and strategic support under its 'Package Scheme', this growth highlights the revival of traditional textile arts and a push for economic empowerment through craftsmanship.
As part of the scheme, the state government offers a five per cent rebate on sales to all registered handloom cooperatives, while women-led societies receive a 15 per cent rebate, with additional incentives during key sale periods.
In total, the state disbursed Rs 73.82 crore in sales rebates this year.
The state administration has undertaken a series of transformative initiatives aimed at sustaining handloom traditions, increasing market competitiveness, and ensuring sustainable employment.
These include advertising grants, mill gate price schemes that offer a 15 per cent subsidy on quality yarn, and skill development programmes that provide training and stipends to weavers.
Collaborations with institutions like National Institute of Design, National Institute of Fashion Technology, and the Weavers Service Centre help develop modern designs and prototypes to keep Gujarat's handloom products market-relevant.
To further boost visibility and reach, the state promotes handloom products through dedicated branding under 'Garvi Gurjari', e-commerce platforms, emporium chains, and participation in national and international expos facilitated by bodies like iNDEXT-C.
The celebration of National Handloom Day on August 7, instituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, holds even greater significance this year.
Gujarat is home to a substantial community of handloom artisans, with around 10,600 individuals currently engaged in handloom businesses across the state.
Over the past three years, the state's Industrial Extension Cottage (iNDEXT‑c) initiative has empowered nearly 24,689 artisans from both the handloom and broader handicraft sectors by organising fairs and exhibitions -- providing them a platform to sell products worth more than Rs 124 crore.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While the numbers look impressive, I wonder how much actually reaches the individual weavers. The middlemen in this sector are notorious for eating into profits. Government should ensure direct benefit transfer to artisans.
Garvi Gurjari is doing great work! Bought beautiful Patola saree from their store last month. Proud to support our local artisans. More power to Gujarat's handloom industry! 🇮🇳
The collaboration with NID and NIFT is brilliant! Traditional designs need contemporary touch to attract younger buyers. My Gen-Z daughter actually asked for a handloom kurta after seeing new designs on Instagram 😊
Rs 290 crore is good but can be better. Tamil Nadu's handloom sector does nearly 3x this business. Gujarat should study their model - especially how they've integrated technology with traditional weaving.
The 15% yarn subsidy is making a real difference! My cousin in Bhuj says their cooperative society can now afford better quality materials. Small steps like this help preserve our heritage while making it sustainable for weavers 🙌
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