Image Source: KNN India
In a significant move to rejuvenate Assam’s handloom sector, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has partnered with IIT-Roorkee to develop a comprehensive ‘Handloom Roadmap’ aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and strategic growth. The announcement was made on Thursday, August 8, 2025, during a state-level event in Guwahati commemorating National Handloom Day.
Key Highlights from the Announcement
- NABARD and IIT-Roorkee are jointly preparing a strategic Handloom Roadmap for Assam
- The initiative targets sustainable development and long-term planning for the sector
- Over 8,000 weavers have already benefitted from NABARD’s support programs
- Assam houses 12.83 lakh weavers and 12.54 lakh handlooms, with over 90% of weavers being women
- The roadmap will build on existing interventions like skill training, marketing infrastructure, and GI registration
Why Assam’s Handloom Sector Matters
Assam’s handloom heritage is one of the richest in India, deeply woven into its cultural and economic fabric. According to the 2019–20 Handloom Census:
- The state has 12.83 lakh registered weavers
- 12.54 lakh handlooms are actively used
- More than 90% of the weavers are women, making it a vital source of livelihood and empowerment
The sector not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also contributes significantly to rural employment and exports.
NABARD’s Ongoing Contributions
Over the past few years, NABARD has played a pivotal role in uplifting Assam’s handloom ecosystem. Its initiatives include:
- Skill development programs for weavers
- Promotion of rural enterprises
- Creation of marketing infrastructure
- Formation of Off-Farm Producer Organisations (OFPOs)
- Grant support exceeding ₹5.28 crore
- Assistance for Geographical Indication (GI) registration and authorised user facilitation
These efforts have directly impacted over 8,000 weavers, enhancing their income, market access, and production capabilities.
The Role of IIT-Roorkee in the Roadmap
IIT-Roorkee brings academic rigor and technical expertise to the roadmap initiative. The collaboration aims to:
- Identify bottlenecks in production and distribution
- Recommend technology-driven solutions for efficiency
- Develop sustainable models for scaling handloom enterprises
- Integrate design innovation with traditional techniques
- Create a blueprint for policy interventions and funding mechanisms
While the timeline for the roadmap’s completion has not been disclosed, stakeholders expect a phased rollout aligned with state and central government priorities.
Government Support and Vision
Speaking at the event, Assam Finance Secretary Dilip Kumar Borah praised NABARD’s efforts and highlighted the government’s commitment to the sector. Key interventions include:
- Raw material support and minimum support price (MSP) schemes
- Development of an Integrated Handloom Park in Kaziranga
- Promotion of silk tourism in Sualkuchi and other regions
- Digital initiatives like the Swanirbhar Naari portal, which has registered 5.64 lakh weavers and marketed over 11 lakh handloom items
Borah called this phase a “golden era” for Assamese handloom, citing national and international recognition, including the Prime Minister’s use of the phulam gamosa on global platforms.
Looking Ahead: What the Roadmap Could Unlock
The Handloom Roadmap is expected to serve as a strategic guide for:
- Enhancing productivity and quality standards
- Expanding domestic and international market access
- Empowering women through targeted skill and enterprise programs
- Preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation
- Attracting investment and institutional support
If executed effectively, the roadmap could transform Assam’s handloom sector into a globally competitive, socially inclusive, and economically resilient industry.
Conclusion
The NABARD-IIT Roorkee Handloom Roadmap marks a visionary step toward revitalizing one of India’s most treasured artisanal sectors. With strong institutional backing, government support, and grassroots engagement, Assam’s weavers may soon find themselves at the forefront of a textile renaissance.
Source: The Hans India
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