Handloom Industry in Kerala

The handloom industry is a traditional industry of the state mainly concentrated in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, and in some parts of Kasargod, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kollam districts. The industry is dominated by the Co-operative sector that accounts about 84% of total looms. The remaining 16% of looms is owned by private entrepreneurs. The major products in the handloom sector of the state are shirting, dhotis, bed sheets, furnishing, saree and lungi. The Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles, HANTEX, HANVEEV and Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) are the major stakeholder institutions involved in the development of the handloom sector in Kerala. Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) of Kannur is a nodal agency for training, research and development in the handloom sector. The procurement and marketing of handloom fabrics are handled by Kerala State Handloom Weaver’s Co-operative Society (HANTEX) and Kerala State Handloom Development Corporation (HANVEEV). The largest number of handloom societies is located at Thiruvananthapuram and the lowest number of handloom societies is at Wayanad. The schemes started by kerala government for handloom workers is 'Thanima' for Thiruvananthapuram District and ‘Kruthika' for Kannur District. The public sector undertakings working under Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala in the category of handlooms are HANVEEV and HANTEX.

■ Kerala State Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (HANVEEV)

It markets handloom products internationally under the brand name 'HANVEEV'. The corporation was established in 1968 with the aim of safeguarding traditional handloom weavers in Kannur. HANVEEV was originally known as 'The Kerala State Handloom Finance Corporation' (1968). Its objectives include providing assistance in the manufacturing and marketing of products. Its corporate office is located in Kannur. HANVEEV strives to ensure the survival of traditional weavers amidst the prevalence of power looms, automatic looms, and mechanization. It operates 49 company-owned showrooms, 3 agency showrooms, and 34 production centers.

■ The Kerala State Handloom Weavers Co-Operative Society Ltd (HANTEX)

HANTEX is the apex body for handloom cooperatives in the state. It began operations in 1961 to support handloom weaving societies in the cooperative sector. HANTEX oversees 518 primary production centers and maintains 150 showrooms to market their products. The organization is supported by a computer-aided design division and 150 imported textile machines.