Community-Powered Handloom Cooperative: Driving Economic and Social Empowerment in Jhiri Village, Rajasthan (India)

Abstract

The Indian handloom weaving industry employs over three million people and is the second-largest economic activity after agriculture. It accounts for 15% of the country's cloth production. However, due to stiff competition from power looms and low incomes, the number of handloom workers across the country has been gradually declining. This has resulted in the loss of the traditional art form. The majority of handloom weaving occurs in individual households and not as an organized activity. This leaves weavers at the mercy of larger players and leads to extreme exploitation. Furthermore, a significant number of handloom cooperatives have become obsolete. Despite challenges, the Adarsh Handloom Producer Cooperative Society Ltd (AHCS) located in one of Rajasthan's most underdeveloped districts is demonstrating how community ownership of handloom weaving and collective decision-making can enhance the income of weavers and allied workers. This has resulted in a financially viable business model that produces quality products while serving a social purpose by bringing about significant changes in the community.