Summary
The Indian handloom sector faces a crisis as young weavers leave the profession due to unstable livelihoods, despite India being a major producer of handloom products. The article argues that the sector needs better positioning around authenticity, craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and sustainability, rather than competing with powerlooms on price. It also highlights the need to measure active weaving participation and weaver earnings, and to sharpen the mandate of existing Weaver Service Centres to improve market linkage and product development.
