Unable to withstand competition from powerlooms, family members of highly skilled handloom weavers in Prakasam district are opting for menial jobs to augment their income.
“We are proud of being weavers. But, our sons don’t want to continue with the profession. Unless the government intervenes, handloom works will be reduced to just showpieces,” say a group of weavers in Epurupalem .
In an unenviable situation, wherein traditional weavers are not in a position to break even, their family members end up doing menial jobs such as watchman, construction worker and etc.
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The government should implement the Handlooms Act, says Mr. Karna Laksha Rao of Sai Baba Cooperative Society, Desaipeta.
“We go to Dharmavaram or Bangalore to source silk yarn to produce an exquisite saree costing up to Rs. 10,000. But, finding a market for our products still remains a concern,” laments Katuri Venkateswara Rao of Sri Venkataveeranjaneya Cooperative Society in Epurupalem.
“We are forced to wait for three to four months for payment from the AP State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO),” adds A. Veerabrahmam, another weaver.
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