Assam Effort to Boost Development of The Handloom and Sericulture Industry

In its effort to boost development of the handloom and sericulture industry, the government of north-east Indian state of Assam has assigned Rs. 2.32 billion under the state plan and a sum of Rs. 1.38 billion under non-plan for the upcoming financial year 2013-14.
 
Further, intending to ensure top-notch facilities for textile units in the state, the state government also plans to establish an Integrated Textile Park at Naharkatiya in Upper Assam, and a Handloom Trade Centre at Guwahati for betterment and upliftment of the handloom industry.
 
Meanwhile, it would also continue to extend requisite support to state weavers, so as to sustain economic growth in the wake of rising import of garments from other countries.
 
Various other promotional schemes, which have boosted silk production in the state over the past few years, would also be prolonged in the next financial year. Some such schemes include schemes of distributing yarns, looms, blankets and accessories to weavers.
 
With such contributory schemes, the state’s production of eri yarn and muga silk has reached 1,062 metric tons and 114 metric tons, respectively, making it the third largest producer of silk in the country.
 
The state government has also initiated measures to boost production and marketing of ‘gamosas’ – the traditional towel, locally.
 
Likewise, artisans in the state have also been provided with machinery and equipments to facilitate production of readymade garments, and to encourage entrepreneurship in urban handloom industry.