All help offered for handloom sector

Kunhalikutty says many schemes available for new ventures

Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty tries his hand at a traditional loom displayed at Marine ground after the inauguration of a national handloom expo on Saturday. Photo: K. Ragesh

Showcasing the nation’s handloom splendour, a three-week handloom garment expo commenced at Marine Ground here on Saturday. Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty inaugurated the fair, which will showcase traditional looms and equipment as well.

Financial aid

Mr. Kunhalikutty said the State government was keen on extending financial support to the handloom sector to enable modernisation, product diversification, and strategic marketing. These were essential for a sector such as handloom to survive, he said.

There were many schemes and subsidies available for those who intended to set up handloom ventures, the Minister said.

Over 150 stalls were opened as part of the fair being organised with the support of the Union Ministry of Textiles and the State government’s Department of Textiles and Handloom. Representatives from 10 States were attending.

Seminars, in the coming days, would discuss the industry’s concerns and its prospect. People’s representatives and heads of various local bodies would take part. Interactive programmes with potential buyers and traders would also be organised, the organisers of the event said.