Kollam (Kerala): Like all other sectors, the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected even the Khadi weavers' community. However, the khadi weavers in Kerala have now pinned their hopes on the upcoming Onam festival, and are working hard to gain profits.
The Kerala Khadi Board was formed in order to ensure employment in rural regions and bring traditional khadi handloom industry to the forefront of the mainstream textile industry. Usually, during the festive seasons in Kerala, including Onam, Khadi products have always received a very good response and acceptance among customers.
Eyeing the upcoming Onam season, the weavers are currently at work strictly complying with the COVID-19 protocols, foregoing even their holidays and days off.
The Khadi Sari Mela (exhibition and sale) that is held every year, draws a lot of public attention. Khadi saris ranging from Rs 1,870 through to Rs 10,000 are sold at the mela. This season, however, keeping the COVID situation in mind, the khadi weavers are also making cloth masks in addition to saris.
The cloth masks would be priced at Rs 15 per piece. Bulk packs of 100 masks would also be made available. Besides, the Khadi Board has already distributed two lakh masks to the police personnel.
Read: Gujarat: Gandhi Ashram distributes Khadi face masks for free to fight COVID-19
In Kollam district, there are four weaving centres and two thread production units under the Khadi Board. The largest production unit in Kollam district is in Paravoor Nedungolam. The products made at Khadi units are being sold through the sales centres at Kollam Karbala, Karunagapilly, and Kottarakkara, along with the mobile Khadi units.
The board aims at a turnover of Rs 5 crore during this Onam season, said Maniamma, District Project Officer, Khadi, Kollam.
Meanwhile, the weavers and labourers have demanded that the pending dues, which were deferred due to the COVID crisis, be settled at least before Onam.
