National Handloom Day celebrated at Samba

Samba : NABARD on Wednesday celebrated 8th National Handloom Day with the weavers of Samba district here at village Jalapur in Sumb block of district Samba.
The programme was organised to honour the weaving community members for their exquisite craftsmanship and highlight upon their contribution in the socio-economic development of the country. Handloom sector represents the rich and varied heritage of our country. It also provides livelihood in rural and semi-rural parts of our country wherein maximum contribution towards workforce in the handloom sector comes from women artisans. The programme was attended by Niharika, AD Handloom, Samba; Shalesh Sharma, DDM NABARD, Samba; Sister Jaya Peter from Kristu Jyoti Social Welfare Society; other officials from Handloom Department, Samba and handloom weavers from Samba district.
The AD Handloom gave an insight about schemes of the Government for development of weavers and exhorted them to take maximum advantage of those schemes. The weavers were assured that sufficient opportunities for marketing of their produce would be arranged through exhibitions and melas within and outside J&K.
The DDM-Samba, NABARD stressed upon the need for sustainable development of the handloom sector by nurturing the local craft and popularising their products. It is also important to create awareness among people about encouraging handloom products. The initiatives/ schemes of NABARD for the development of rural artisans were explained to the participants. They were also informed that attempts were being made for promotion and formation of Producer Organisations under Off-farm activities which would help weavers to manufacture market driven products at competitive rates and with better marketing facilities.
On the occasion, mementos were given to the weavers for their contribution to the rich and varied heritage of our country. The weavers also shared their experiences and welcomed the initiatives being taken by NABARD and District Administration in Samba district for the betterment of rural artisans & weavers.