Affiliation:
1. Sambalpur University, India
Abstract
Sambalpuri Handloom weavers of Western Odisha are known for their rich skill, creativity, and innovative designs. Steady decline in the earnings has resulted in the migration of weavers both professionally and geographically. Economic crisis is forcing these weavers to face livelihood crisis. The weavers who have created history and brought glory by their rich artistry are being forced to change their livelihood. The present study has been undertaken in sixteen clusters of four districts of Western Odisha. It has been observed that the role played by the businessman (middleman) is quite important. Though the price of the product is quite high, the weavers are not satisfied with the emoluments amounts that they receive. The actual benefits from marketing of this handloom are accruing to the middlemen rather than the weavers. The COVID -19 pandemic and economic shutdown has broken the supply chain of both the backward and forward linkage of the Sambalpuri handloom industry. Necessary policy should be made both by the central and state governments to rescue these handloom weavers.
Reference59 articles.
1. AlwangJ.SiegelP. B.JorgensenS. L. (2001). Vulnerability: A View from Different Disciplines, Social Protection Discussion Papers, No.: SP 0115. World Bank.
2. AshleyC.CarneyD. (1999). Sustainable livelihoods: lessons from early experiences. Department for International Development.
3. Determinants of occupational choice of workers in the handloom industry in Assam
4. An Informalised Labour System: End of Labour Market Dualism;J.Breman;Economic and Political Weekly,2001
5. Textile producers and production in late seventeenth century Coromandel