Covid-19 worsens the situation of Handloom Weavers.

Handloom textiles and crafts have always been the pride of our country. No other country has such fine and diversified techniques of weaving. For millions of families in India, weaving is the only source of living.

Just like other businesses, weaving has been severely affected by the ongoing pandemic as the markets have been closed and weavers didn’t have any source of income.

Due to the Covid-19, the handloom sector has gone through the unexpected hindrance of orders. This happened as retailers were closed during the lockdown and even the delivery services were closed for some time. The buyers are unable to make purchases as the cashflow has stopped.

Since the summer season sales didn’t happen, this will affect the ability of weavers to invest in yarns for producing goods for winter and festive seasons.

Indian Handlooms have been slowly growing as a market internationally but due to the less cash flow and low budget, customer priority has changed and thus the handloom business has to suffer.

Small weavers and artisans don’t have any financial backbone to carry on after such significant losses due to which they are also not in a position to buy raw materials.

Though the government provides a small amount of ration every day to the weavers and artisans who work under big traders, the weavers would still not be able to feed their families in the time of medical urgency.

Thus, this sector, which was once the backbone of the Indian economy, needs our help more than ever before. The government should make schemes and policies that help the weavers and artisans. For example, weavers should be provided with free raw materials. The yarns should be provided to them at a very discounted rate. All the products made by weavers and artisans should be promoted on digital platforms by the government.

At the individual level, as citizens, we can purchase handwoven products from them. Instead of always going for big brands, we can support their small businesses and buy more from them. After all, weavers pour all their efforts and hard work into making the products. The products are so unique and totally worthy of appreciation!