The already ailing handloom sector has been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The priorities of fashion retailers have changed and their focus is now on the sustainability of the enterprise. It is expected that overseas orders will not be forthcoming for at least a few months.

Prabin Das, a handloom promoter from Goalpara, Assam advises government’s responses to the pandemic should consider both economic and social aspects and aim for increased reach while using a target-oriented approach. The government must prioritize women as most weavers and allied workers are women. Its interventions should be planned considering both short and long term impacts on the weaving community and the handloom sector. A relief fund may be announced with provisions of short-term measures in the form of subsistence allowance to weavers and allied workers along with awareness and health protection measures. As a medium-term measure, government may consider extending Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to handloom workers.

Das says, as the business environment is going to change, it is important to take measures to instil trust in handloom products and reposition it as a safe activity and product. It may require efficient supply chain management, brand building and marketing efforts.