Handloom industry impact on Indian economy: with a focus on Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Handlooms in India is one of the most diverse activities with almost all the states having a handloom technique associated to them. The handloom sector is a major employment providing industry in India, which provides direct employment to around 35 lakh weavers and indirect employment to many more. Handlooms has been a secondary source of income for most of the rural population in India. With the increased awareness towards sustainability, consumers are starting to prefer eco-friendly garments over artificial fibres. Even in the foreign market, the demand for Indian handlooms is on the rise. However, handlooms are still a luxury good in India, making them niche products. Indian handloom industry has the potential to capture the textile market, both domestic and foreign. In order to do so and grow sustainably, many problems concerning the industry have to be addressed.