Guwahati: The Assam Apex Weavers and Artisans Co- Operative Federation Limited (Artfed) is planning to procure three lakh gamosas for Rongali Bihu this year, anticipating a hike in demand for handwoven ones because of an import ban on those made by powerlooms.

Last year, Artfed had procured two lakh gamosas, of which 1.8 lakh were sold.

Artfed procures gamosas from its three production centres in Bamunimaidam and Paschim Boragaon here and Nalbari, primary weaving cooperative societies and individual weavers. Around 400 to 500 cooperative societies supply gamosas, dakhna and mekhela sadors to 48 Artfed outlets, 10 of which are in the city while two operate in Delhi and Calcutta.

Counters have been set up outside Artfed shops in Ambari, Noonmati and Dispur to cater to the heavy rush. A mobile van was also pressed into service to sell gamosas in city areas without outlets.

Artfed managing director Mukul Chandra Deka said, "The state government has imposed a ban on import of powerloom gamosas from outside the state. This will lead to increased demand for handloom ones. We anticipate a demand for about three lakh gamosas and orders have been placed. This means greater income for the weavers. We are already assisting them by providing yarn at 20 per cent rebate through the 20 yarn banks set up across the state."

The Assam State Handloom and Textiles Directorate moved the patent information centre of Assam Science Technology and Environment Council last year to secure a geographical indications (GI) tag for gamosa, which is facing threat from manufacturers who produce cheaper varieties on powerlooms.

In February, the Kamrup district development commissioner decided constitute flying squads to check the sale of gamosas produced outside the state during Bihu in order to benefit local weavers.