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Kokrajhar, May 7: In the Bodo heartland of Kokrajhar, the rattle of gunfire is being fast replaced by the sound of the shuttle-loom.
For the handloom industry — long languishing because of continuing political upheaval in the district — the sky is the limit now. With the recent establishment of several handloom co-operative societies, many Bodo women are now engaged “full time” at their looms. “The indigenous tribal people are traditional weavers and rural women have always spun their own clothes. However, it is heartening now to find many co-operative societies emerging in the district and producing a variety of quality fabrics for commercial as well as export purposes,” D. Basumatary, the district deputy handloom officer, told The Telegraph. It has also helped stem the tide of womenfolk migrating to neighbouring towns and cities in search of work, he added.
According to the recent census, Kokrajhar district boasts a total of 1,08,271 looms, 1,07,385 weavers and a per annum total production of 39,77,6975 metres of fabric.
The deputy handloom officer said Kokrajhar’s weavers are now “ready to supply any length of fabric or products of any kind and quality at any time”.
Inspired by the success of co-operative societies, individual entrepreneurs have also jumped into the handloom bandwagon to produce fabrics for commercial purposes. “These individuals engage weavers on a daily wage basis which has opened up job opportunities for poor villagers,” Basumatary said.
Malati Rani Narzary of Roje Eshanshali Co-operative Society, a forerunner in the district’s co-operative society movement, agrees.
“The people of the state are born weavers and weaving has always played a vital role in rural economy. Now, with an expanding market it has the potential to generate employment and check migration,” she said. “The resurgence of the handloom industry here is sure to uplift the socio-economic lot of the people, specially women,” said Narzary, whose society has engaged several women.
What is worrying experts, however, is the absence of an organised market and a clear-cut policy for export of the product which is likely to lead to stagnation in the industry.
“Markets must be linked through product development and diversification. Or else, the spirit that is emerging today among the people will perish,” professed Basumatary.
Entrepreneur J. Brahma, while agreeing with Basumatary, said, “With markets opening up globally, the government has to redefine its role. It should become a facilitator instead of a controller or regulator and help people in capacity-building. Besides, government agencies should bring in expertise for development and diversification of products in tune with the need of national and international markets.”
According to Basumatary, it would be a great help if government officials used local fabrics as furnishings for their offices and homes, instead of mill-made cloth.