Chendamangalam Handloom Faces Weaver Shortage Ahead of Onam

Quick Summary

• Chendamangalam village in Ernakulam district, Kerala, is a hub for ethnic handloom products, which see heightened demand during the Onam season.
• The handloom industry faces a crisis due to a steep decline in the number of weavers-from around 5,000 in the 1980s to just 500 today across five cooperative societies.
• Factors include low wages perception and competition from government employment programs. However, industry veterans claim remuneration can be good with adaptive efforts.
• Cooperative societies are struggling financially due to reliance on cash credit and dues owed by Hantex (Kerala State Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Society).
• Chendamangalam’s failure to embrace private entrepreneurship has hindered technological and design innovations needed for global market penetration.
• During last Onam season, ₹2 crore of the collective ₹3 crore turnover came from festive sales; cooperative societies aim for similar figures this year despite challenges.
• Discontinued exhibitions by the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles at Ernakulathappan Ground have further affected sales momentum.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The plight of Chendamangalam’s handloom sector highlights broader issues such as inadequate modernization within customary industries and dependence on cooperative structures without adequate financial backing. While localized production preserves cultural heritage like the famed ‘Chekutty’ dolls that gained traction after Kerala floods in 2018, lack of entrepreneurial initiatives limits scalability. Efforts from boutiques show demand remains robust but require timely coordination.

Encouraging younger generations into weaving through skills training programs or emphasizing sustainable yet profitable models could be key for revival. At a macro level, policy support-such as resolving dues owed by Hantex-and reinstating popular exhibitions could provide much-needed relief while promoting handcrafted goods amid rising consumer preference for authenticity.

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