Powerloom in Textile Industry: A Study of Siminoi Powerloom Cluster of Dhenkanal District in Odisha

Abstract

There was an uncritical transition from handloom clusters to powerloom clusters initiated by the Government of Odisha in 1972, having a debilitating effect on both handloom and powerloom. This article examines the factors contributing to the plight of powerloom clusters in Odisha. In-depth personal interviews were conducted with various stakeholders of Siminoi powerloom clusters of Dhenkanal District in Odisha. A lack of planning in powerloom, education, government patronage, competitiveness, product diversification, marketing, infrastructure bottleneck, and so on is responsible for the plight of powerloom sector in the state. Hence, there is a need to critically integrate both handloom and powerloom in Odisha.