Many consider Smriti Irani’s shift to the textiles ministry a demotion. Yet, by all accounts, it is a historic opportunity for her to create sustainable, even green livelihoods.
Despite the fact that more people are buying handlooms compared to 15 years ago, this isn’t enough. Weavers are giving up and their children are not taking it up as a profession.
Minister Irani should recall the rebirth of the previously boring Khadi Gram Udyog under Vasundhara Raje Scindia as the minister, in the early 2000s.
Not only were the garments dramatically improved but khadi’s own organic products broadened the consumer base. The Khadi Gram Udyog stores are now on the map for organic products and have experienced a revival.
Handlooms need a similar diversification and marketing. Weavers also need to be better organised so they can be helped better. Textiles are part of the way Indians have coped with living in a hot and humid climate for most of the year. As we see record heat and scant winters, handloom should be seen as a strategy for livelihoods as well as for adaptation to the new micro-climates we live in.
But this means better designed garments, contemporary, affordable clothing that people in the 21st century will opt for.
{{/usCountry}}But this means better designed garments, contemporary, affordable clothing that people in the 21st century will opt for.
{{/usCountry}}I’d even go so far as to say that here’s a historic opportunity for the minister to push for GM and pesticide-free cotton for handlooms, so that India is able to reintroduce handlooms to a fragile, warming world.
(The writer is director, Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group)