FICCI Hathkargha
October 9-10, 2018

About Us

India’s Textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries. Even today, textiles sector is one of the largest contributors to India’s exports with approximately 13 per cent of total exports. The textiles industry is also labour intensive and is one of the largest employers. The textile industry has two broad segments. First, the unorganised sector consists of handloom, handicrafts and sericulture, which are operated on a small scale and through traditional tools and methods. The second is the organised sector consisting of spinning, apparel and garments segment which apply modern machinery and techniques such as economies of scale.

The textile industry employs about 105 million people directly and indirectly. India's overall textile exports during FY 2017-18 stood at US$ 37.74 billion.

The Indian textiles industry is extremely varied, with the hand-spun and hand-woven textiles sectors at one end of the spectrum, while the capital intensive sophisticated mills sector at the other end of the spectrum.

Along with the artistry of weavers, the Indian handloom industry demonstrates the richness and diversity of Indian culture. With over 4.3 million people directly involved in the production, the handloom industry is the second-largest employment provider for the rural population in India after agriculture. Indian handloom products are known for their unique designs and finesse. The trend is to mix old designs with new techniques and create original products.

The industry has strong infrastructure, with about 2.4 million looms of varied designs and construction, indicating significant production capacity.

The export of handloom products from India stood at US$ 357.53 million in FY2016-17. In 2016–17, the US was the major importer of Indian handloom products, with estimated purchases of US$ 100.08 million, followed by the Italy, UK and UAE at US$ 19.65 million, US$ 18.45 and US$ 18.18 million, respectively. Spain, Germany, France, Netherland, Australia, Japan, Sweden, South Africa, Greece Thailand, Chile, Sri Lanka, Belgium, Canada, Denmark and Norway were some other key export destinations. During 2016-17, export of fabrics stood at US$ 25.77 million, floor coverings stood at US$ 129.88 million, clothing accessories stood at US$ 20.27 million, and made-ups stood at US$ 181.61 million.

Handloom must be promoted and understood as affordable luxury. India has the most diverse handwoven textile tradition and must ensure that the weaver benefits economically to continue it. With competition from cheaper, mass-produced, mill-made textiles, handwoven fabrics need a premium value and aggressive marketing.

objectives

• To create a niche market space for high quality handloom products which cater especially to the demand for diverse products among the younger generation and export markets with high growth potential.
• To establish “Handloom” as a Brand in the Domestic & International Business Communities.
• To make India as one of the major sourcing point of handlooms in the world.
• To facilitate the promotion of handloom products developed across the Country in the overseas markets.
• To create a platform for Indian Handloom Industry to connect with Domestic & International Buyers
• To showcase the products from Handloom Sector (Special Focus on Jammu & Kashmir and North East) as an entire spectrum of its competence to the trading and outsourcing community in India as well as abroad.
• To sustain and improve the share of Indian handwoven products in the International market.
• To increase the earnings of the Weavers.