Innovation helps increase income for weavers

Key innovations for weavers:

• Exposure to modern weaving techniques
• Skills development
• Fashion design
• Market orientation

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) provides fashion design support, training and skill upgradation. It has centres in 8 locations in India including Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The 9th centre was opened in Kannur, Kerala in May 08.

The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) provides training, development and tools for the industry. IIHTs are located in Salem, Varanasi, Jodhpur, Guwahati, Nellore and Gadag.

Marketing support is available from local and state level cooperative societies such as Cooptex in Tamil Nadu.

Quality control and testing facilities:

• Textile Testing and Development Centre, Madurai.
• Your local Weavers Service Centre (WSC).

Software and tools:

• EnKay CAD solutions, Bangalore: Simple software for creating hand loom/power loom/electronic loom Dobby patterns. Free tools for creating Jacquard punch cards.
• GC's Technologies, Bangalore: Textile design software, Jacquard card punching machine popular with weavers in Dharmavaram, Kancheepuram, Kumbakonam and Karnataka.

Please note that we don't endorse any vendor.