Pandemic-idled handloom sector back in full swing in Kerala
Pandemic-idled handloom sector back in full swing in Kerala
Kochi / June 17, 2022
Pandemic-idled handloom sector back in full swing in Kerala
Kochi, June 17: Reflecting the revival of pandemic-idled handloom sector, Kerala’s fabled hand-woven textiles in various colours and patterns are on display at the MSME-centric B2B meet-cum-expo Vyapar 2022 here, drawing the attention of buyers from across the country.
Back-to-back floods followed by COVID-induced shutdown and recession had dealt a massive blow to the handloom industry, which has for centuries been the mainstay of Kerala’s traditional sector.
As work and business resume in both private and co-operative handloom units across the state, workers and entrepreneurs expect a boom in sales, energised by effective marketing strategies, digital marketing, and state support to meet the rising demand for handloom fabrics within and outside the country.
“Organising fairs like Vyapar 2022 will help the handloom industry scale new heights. Participating in the event is an educative experience for us as business strategists and buyers gave us valuable tips on how to channelise our output to the outside markets by leveraging new methods like digital sale,” said an entrepreneur from Chennamangalam, Ernakulam district, one of Kerala’s storied handloom hubs.
Significantly, Vyapar 2022 sets a platform for promoters of traditional products like handloom textile to interact with executives from e-commerce majors like Amazon and Flipkart to know how to scale up sales through digital route, said Shri S Harikishore, Director, Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Kerala.
The proactive measures to promote handloom textile, launched by the Centre and the state government have started yielding results as the demand for these products has now been on the upswing, said P C Mohanan, a handloom worker from Paravur.
Latching on to e-commerce platforms is critical for handloom sector to flourish as sales of clothes and readymade garments have largely shifted to online mode, said Sasi PK, a handloom worker.
Concurring with him, Sajeev, from Chennamangalam said those who have leveraged the online medium are now getting orders which often overshoot their production capacity.
Over 300 sellers, drawn from diverse sectors, and nearly 500 buyers from around the country are attending the three-day event organised by the Department of Industries and Commerce.
