Chairman : Gagan Rai

Vice Chairman : R. Rajendiran

Editor : R. Anand, Executive Director

Editorial team : N.C.K. Sreelegha S. Gurusaranaraj P. Rangasamy M. Anandabalaji

JULY 2015

Dear Members,

During July 2015, Council organized participation in Home Textiles Sourcing Expo held at New York from July 21-23, 2015 and 26th India Home Furnishings Fair (IHF) held at Osaka, Japan from July 22-24, 2015. Council's Member Exporters have received good response in Home Textiles Sourcing Expo held alongside Apparel Sourcing Show at New York. The mood at the

th threcently concluded 26 India Home Furnishings Fair (IHF) organized concurrently with 36 India Garment Fair (IGF) at Mydome, Osaka, (Japan) from was upbeat with Member Exporters receiving serious business enquiries & bookings.

Council has been participating in India Home Furnishing Fair held at Osaka, Japan for more than a decade. Participation in this fair during the last 5 years (2010-2015) has facilitated 83 Member Exporters to widen their export business and has resulted in business generation of Rs.29.92 crore (Spot orders-Rs.8.67 crore & Enquiries-Rs.21.25 crore). Council for the first time during participation in

rdIndia Home Furnishing fair in coordination with CGI India, Osaka organized a Business Networking Meet on 23 July'15 at Hotel City Plaza, Osaka, which provided the right platform for Council's Members to network with Buyers, Importers & Agents (detailed report at page no. 6)

As per DGCI&S, Kolkata figures export of Handloom products in rupee terms was Rs.161.68 crore during April 2015 as compared to Rs.151.83 crore during April 2014 registering increase of 6.49%. However in US dollar terms, export was 25.76 million during April 2015 as compared to 25.15 million during April 2014 registering increase of only 2.42%. Therefore I earnestly request all Member Exporters to undertake innovative strategies to enhance export and surpass target of US$ 421 million fixed by the Ministry.

Warm regards,

Gagan Rai, Chairman

Chairman’s columnChairman’s columnChairman’s column

2

After Roti(food), Kapada(cloth) is the most important basic need of human beings. Nature of human clothing has evolved over decades, from bark of trees to fibers of plant(cotton, Jute) and animal

(silk, wool) origins, woven in hand-operated looms for meeting this basic need. Nature and variety of

fabrics underwent significant changes with the industrial revolution and later with evolution of fashion. Notwithstanding these developments, handloom fabric continues to be an integral part of the rich culture and heritage of India. Because of its unique colour, exquisite texture and design combination, handloom fabrics of India have been widely appreciated all over the world. As a matter of fact, when the Britishers first came to India, the rich handloom fabrics of India became an eyesore and the Company took steps to destroy indigenous handloom industry for pushing their fabrics into the Indian market.

Handloom industry faced stiff competition with the advent of the powerloom. Plain cloth woven on powerloom became cheaper than similar cloth woven on handloom due to lesser labour cost. During our struggle for freedom, Mahatma Gandhi, Father of the Nation, had stressed on the need for hand spinning, handloom weaving and wearing India made Khadi fabrics. As a matter of fact, this formed an integral part of our

stSwadeshi movement. However, in the 21 Century this scenario has changed and over last decades Indian textile industry has emerged as a major player in the global textile. The whole world is looking towards the Indian organized textile industry comprising spinning, weaving, apparel, garment and fashion segments. The handloom industry is required to be consolidated for facing this reality on a pragmatic basis keeping in view the fact that handloom, powerloom and mill made fabrics will continue to co-exist in the market and the final decision for purchase of a particular fabric would ultimately lie

with the consumers, who will choose the fabrics based on quality, design and price.

After independence, number of plans and programmes have been implemented for assisting the handloom weavers. Certain products have also been reserved for production only by handloom. Even though market share of powerloom fabrics has increased, handloom fabrics has retained its identity as a niche product.

The real strength of our Handloom industry lies in its exquisite design, unique motifs, link with culture and tradition on the one hand and the socio-economic importance in providing livelihood opportunity to lakhs of people living in rural areas at a low capital investment, low carbon emission, low demand on energy and scarce resources, environmental conservation, checking migration to urban areas and urbanization etc. on the other hand. Social significance of handloom lies in its role in empowering the women and the disadvantaged segments like Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Classes and Minorities. These factors make promotion of handloom an ideal tool in achieving the cherished goal of making the development inclusive and sustainable “Sabka Sath- Sabka Vikas”.

With a view to recognize importance of handloom and expressing solidarity with the welfare of handloom

thweavers, it has been decided to observe 7 August as the

thNational Handloom Day every year starting with 7 August 2015. This day is linked up with the memory of launching of Swadeshi movement in Kolkata in 1905.

In the background of celebration of the National thHandloom Day on the 7 August, it is necessary to re-

engineer and re-strategize our approach to promotion of handloom based on the fundamental principle of marketing- that is to reproduce goods and services with quality as per the liking of the consumer. So far as handloom product is concerned, it has several strength and the strategy for promotion of handloom has to be based on consolidating its strength for serving the niche market, where there is hardly any competition from the powerloom and mill-made fabrics. “Zero defect (in fabrics)

“Promote Handloom – Indian Heritage”

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Panda IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India

ArticleArticleArticle

3

and Zero effect (on environment)” as emphasized by the Hon'ble Prime Minister has to be taken as the guiding principle of this exercise. Environmental issues like avoiding any use of azo dyes, proper treatment of effluent plant as well as social issues like avoiding child labour in any form has to be observed in letter and spirit.

Keeping these factors in view the “India Handloom” Brand has been developed after taking into public suggestions on the web based Mygov.in platform. Hon'ble Prime Minister has kindly consented to launch this new

thbranding on the 7 August, 2015. This branding process would involve inspection of the production process, certifying the producer and the product as genuine handloom product with reference to the cotton/silk yarn used, the texture and dimension of the fabric, purity of design, etc. Relevant details of registered units would be put on the website so that the consumer can access and satisfy him/herself about the product which he/she is going to buy. This approach based on the strength of the handloom for gaining confidence of the consumer will form the core of promotion of handloom.

Based on the above strategy, two fold interventions will be taken for increasing the earning of the weaver substantially. The first intervention involves promotion of educated youth from the weavers' family as weaver entrepreneur for taking up production and marketing of fabrics with quality under new India Handloom branding. Such educated youth can avail loan at concessional rate of interest along with other facilities for taking up production and marketing both inside the country and abroad in bulk. Experience of firms like Good Earth, BIBA, Tulsi, South Handlooms, Sundari Silks, Angadi Silks, Raw Mango, which have taken up production of goods with ethnic design indicate the vast potential, which are yet to be exploited for our handloom/handicrafts industry. The second intervention relates to extending benefits of internet based “Digital India” launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister to these weaver entrepreneurs for bridging the gap between the producer and the market. This would cover getting (a) benefits of online financial transactions like Jan Dhan Yojana (b) market information by directly

interacting with the consumer on WhatsApp, Skype, etc., and (c) Marketing the product online through e-commerce.

Keeping in view the above, a number of initiatives have been taken by the Government. In consultation with the State Government, action has been initiated for setting up a Common Facility Centre(CFC) for supporting group of handloom weavers in each block and 7 number of CFCs have been set up in Varanasi district in Uttar Pradesh. Each CFC will be provided with basic infrastructure comprising (i) a godown for storage of raw material and finished products, (ii) an office with internet connectivity for providing Information Technology based interventions including the benefits of financial inclusion under “Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojana” to the handloom weavers, (iii) facilities for training in design, dyeing and weaving along with equipment for dyeing/designing, water supply, effluent treatment and bulk processing and (iv) a rest room for accommodation of the designer/bulk buyer from urban area, who may like to stay in the production area for a day or two. Financial assistance upto Rs.50 lakhs would be provided for the purpose for each CFC. The CFC will be set up by strengthening the existing infrastructure in the primary weavers' cooperative society, which is running on profit in the block. Where there is no functional primary society, such facility may be developed on a piece of land to be provided by the gram panchayat or State Government or any donor. In such a case, the CFC will be managed by registered Self Help Group or any organization of the handloom weavers active in the area. The CFC will be manned by one handloom diploma holder having technical knowledge on handloom. Technical officers available with the Weavers' Service Centre and State Government dealing with handloom will provide technical support at the CFC.

Action is being taken for strengthening the Weavers' Service Centres, Development Commissioner (Handlooms) for providing required technical help for designing, dyeing and defect free weaving to the weavers with help of concerned State Government. The syllabus of Indian Institute of Handloom Technology has been

ArticleArticleArticle

4

modified with inclusion of other subjects like Information Technology, Tally accounting, Business Management, Fashion Technology, Export etc. and upgraded from Diploma to Degree level for providing quality technical manpower for the industry.

The Commercial and Cooperative Banks, with help of NABARD and State Governments are being pursued to provide required credit working capital to the handloom weavers at a reasonable rate. Besides margin money support is being provided for enabling weavers to get credit. Opening bank account with other benefits under “Prime Minister's Jan Dhan Yojana” is yet another new development for enabling the weavers in getting credit directly through internet based banking mechanism. Once the weavers are able to produce good fabrics as per market demand and sell it in time, they will be able to repay the loan and the credit facility will be rotated on a continuous and long term basis.

The National Handloom Development Corporation Limited(NHDC), a Central Public Sector Undertaking with headquarters in Lucknow is being pursued for supplying quality yarn, dyes and chemicals to the handloom weavers at a reasonable price and in time. NHDC has been providing these facilities through its branches in states and has been advised to co-locate its branch office in the Weavers’ Service Centre in each State for convenience of weavers. The State Governments have been requested to prepare production plan indicating requirement of raw material for each handloom cluster, with quarterly break-up and send it to NHDC well in time. NHDC has been advised to ensure that required quantity of yarn and chemicals are made available in each cluster in time at a reasonable price.

The Weavers’ Service Centre is providing training facility to the weavers along with the technical officers and staff of the State Government dealing with promotion of handlooms. NHDC has been advised to organize decentralized training in dyeing in the Weavers’ Service Centre and CFC.

With a view to encourage weavers for outstanding work, National Award and Sant Kabir Awards are being conferred on the handloom weavers in recognition of

outstanding contributions, craftsmanship to development of handloom. This recognition seeks to encourage the talented weavers to continue handloom weaving with greater interest and enthusiasm.

Marketing of handloom products is the most important and critical requirement for revival of handloom. As indicated, the handloom fabric has to face the competition from the powerloom on its own strength based on unique design, colour combination and quality as a 'niche' product. Accordingly, production plan for handloom has to remain dynamic and changing continuously as per the need of the market. Each weaver being an artist and a designer, with little support from those dealing with marketing of products, this inherent strength of handloom can be exploited, which will provide a big boost of production and sale of handloom products.

“Make in India” initiative, launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister, provides yet another opportunity for promotion of handloom. Educated youth from the weavers' family need to come forward as weaver entrepreneur for taking up production based on appropriate and new technology and exploit the available market for handloom both within and outside the country.

The State Governments have been requested to prepare production plan, provide required assistance to the handloom weavers like supply of raw materials, loom and accessories, technical guidance as well as marketing facilities under the Central Schemes and supplementing it with their own sources for promotion of handloom. Further private entrepreneurs, fashion designers dealing with sale of handloom products have been requested to extend their cooperation for production and marketing of handloom.

The handloom product and handloom weavers form an integral and inseparable part of our rich culture and tradition. Celebration of “National Handloom Day” on

ththe 7 August has come as a privilege for all Indians to feel proud of our heritage and culture and come together to “Promote Handloom – Indian Heritage”, it is hoped that the new initiative taken would ensure increase in earnings of the weavers and provide continuity to the unique place - the Indian Handloom has in the World of Textiles.

ArticleArticleArticle

5

Japan known as the 'Land of Rising Sun' is part of long chain of mountains running from South East Asia to Alaska. Japan's Standard time is GMT + 9 hours (IST + 3.30 hours). Major cities are Tokyo (capital), Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe and Kyoto. Japan is divided into 47 Prefectures (Administrative division). Japan comprises over six thousand islands. It has long rocky coastline with many small and excellent harbours, numerous valleys, rivers and lakes. Mountainous and hilly areas account for over 75% of total area with 532 mountains over 2,000 meters high. Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain rising up to 3776 meters. Being located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is prone to tremors and earthquakes.

The economy of Japan is the third largest in the world by nominal GDP, the fourth largest by purchasing power parity and is the world's second largest developed economy. Japan is the world's third largest automobile manufacturing country, has the largest electronics goods industry, and is often ranked among the world's most innovative countries leading several measures of global patent filings. Facing increasing competition from China and South Korea, manufacturing in Japan now focuses primarily on high-tech and precision goods, such as optical instruments, hybrid vehicles, and robotics. Besides the Kanto region, the Kansai region is one of the leading industrial clusters and manufacturing centres for the Japanese economy. Japan is

the world's largest creditor nation, generally running an annual trade surplus and having a considerable net international investment surplus.

Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) thparticipated in the 26 India Home furnishing Fair (IHF)

thfrom 22 – 24 July 2015 with 29 member exporters for the second time under MAI scheme of Department of Commerce, Government of India. IHF is one of the flagship yearly fairs being participated by HEPC. As usual, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) organized IHF along with India Garment Fair (IGF) at Mydome Osaka. This year about 100 Indian firms participated in both the events. Unlike last year, ITPO

th26 India Home Furnishing Fair, Osaka, Japan

R.P.Rajalingam, EPO and R.Anand, Executive Director

Report Report Report

6

streamlined product category wise stall allotment. Home ndTextiles Exhibitors were all accommodated in 2 floor

while exhibitors of garments (including stoles and scarfs) rdwere mostly accommodated in 3 floor.

Although, over all export of handloom products to Japan has doubled from Rs.35.60 crore during FY 2009-10 to Rs.70.09 crore during FY 2014-15, export to Japan has declined by 14% to Rs.70.09 crore during FY 2014-15 as compared to Rs.81.61 crore during FY

th2013-14. Japan occupies the 7 position in import of handloom products. Export of handloom made-ups have continuously occupied predominant segment followed by Floor coverings. Export of Handloom

products such as cushion covers, table cloth & table covers, napkins and mats & mattings including bath mats and cotton rugs have gone up during FY 2014-15. On the other hand, handlooms products such as bed linens, other furnishing articles, other table linens, pillow cases and toilet linen & kitchen linens have declined.

ITPO organized a formal inauguration ceremony with H.E.Shri.T. Armstrong Changsan, Consul General of India, Osaka-Kobe as Chief Guest and several heads of Trade organisations including Chairman, HEPC as Guest of Honor. In the evening, ITPO hosted a reception to all the participants.

Report Report Report

7

GDP at market price 2014 529.43 trillion Yen ($ 5.30 trillion)

GDP Per Capita 2014 US $ 38,633

GDP Growth Rate in 2014 0.7 (provisional estimates)

GDP (Nominal) 481.72 trillion Yen ($ 4.82 trillion) (FY2013-14)

GDP (Real) 529.43 trillion Yen ($ 5.30 trillion) (FY2013-14)

Inflation rate 0.0% in 2012 0.4% in 2013 2.8% in 2014

Unemployment rate 3.7% (2014)

Foreign Exchange Reserves $ 1.3 trillion (July 2014)

Exports $ 801.28 billion (2012) – decline of 2.4% over 2011 $ 719.33 billion (2013) – decline of 10.2% over 2012 $ 341.46 billion (Jan-Jun 2014) – decline of 4.6% over the same period of 2013

Rate of Exchange $ 1= ¥ 119.56 (22 April 2015)

The details of participants' feedback are as follows:

Total Number of buyers visited participants : 411 BuyersSpot orders booked : Rs.1.76 CroreEnquiries generated : Rs.11.66 Crore At Central promotional stall of the Council : 50 Buyers visited

According to ITPO, over 2000 buyers visited the fair nd th

during 22 – 24 July 2015.

As the number of fairs have increased over the years, spot orders have come down and enquiries have gone up, because the buyers have more options to choose better supplier after comparing with other participants of similar fairs around that season. In all, the fair was well attended by buyers and almost all the participants would like to participate again next year in the fair.

ITPO awarded best display Gold award to our member participant M/s.Tex world, Panipat. The second best Silver award went to M/s.Shyam Exports, Panipat and the bronze went to HHEC. All the awards were presented by H.E.Shri.T. Armstrong Changsan, Consul General of India.

Report Report Report

8

Business Networking Meet

After the initial experience of holding a Business

Networking Meet on the sidelines of Heimtextil Fair at th

Frankfurt on January 14-17 , 2015, it was decided to take

the concept forward.

Accordingly, a Business Networking Meet was organised

by HEPC on July 23, 2015 at Hotel City Plaza, Osaka

coinciding with the India Home Furnishing Fair at

Osaka. The Meet was organised in coordination with

Indian Consulate in Osaka. The Hotel was adjacent to

Mydome, Osaka, the venue of India Home Furnishing

Fair 2015 and hence was convenient for all participant

member exporters.

The Meet, which was followed by dinner was attended

by more than 25 Japanese buyers besides all the 29

HEPC participants in the fair. The meeting was

designed to provide an opportunity to our members to

have one-to-one informal interaction with Japanese

importers and representatives of Chambers of

Commerce and Associations related to textile industry.

Shri Gagan Rai, Chairman, HEPC in his welcome

address explained the purpose of the Meet. He also

dealt on features of Indian Handloom products and the

advantage of doing business with Home Textile

manufacturers of India. Further, he invited the buyers

to visit India International Handwoven Fair from

Report Report Report

ArticleArticleArticle

9

March 9-11, 2016 at Chennai. Contribution of

Consulate General of India, Prominent Japanese

buyers and Indian buying agents were recognised by

presenting them with mementoes.

Shri.T.Armstrong Changsan, Consul General of India at

Osaka was the Chief Guest. He appreciated the

conceptualisation of the Meet and the successful manner

in which the Meet turned out. He observed that the Meet

will be useful for buyers and exporters to discuss business

deals in a relaxed environment.

Shri R.Anand, Executive Director, HEPC thanked all the

participants including the CGI, Japanese buyers and

representatives of Trade associations.

As one HEPC participant aptly put it “The Business

Networking Meet has helped to break the ice with

buyers who visited my stall at the Fair. The next time I

meet these buyers, I am confident that I can interact

with them in a more informal manner and this will

definitely help business in the long run”. All HEPC

participants thanked HEPC for organising such a Meet

and felt that such meets can be organized on the

sidelines of major fairs.

Few photographs at Business Networking Meet.

(Continuation of the article published in June issue)

vi) Jacquard is the shedding machine used to weave figured cloth. The hooks in the jacquard machine control ends through harness cards. The hooks lifting mechanism is operated through lever and treadle. The treadle is pressed by the right leg of the weaver (Fig. 6a). At the bottom of each harness, a dead weight (Lingo rod) is connected to lower the warp ends and close the shed. The weight of the lingo is about 5 to 8 grams. For example, if there are 4000 lingoes in the harness, then, for

each shedding, weaver has to lift the load of 10 to 15 kgs by pressing the treadle using his right leg (Fulcrum and lever principle). If the length of cloth is produced by inserting 2500 picks during the day, then the weaver has to lift the load of 10 to 15 kgs for 2500 times using his right leg during the day. Hence, young weavers less than 40 years who are physically strong enough could only do weaving in these jacquard looms. Due to the ergonomic uncomfort and drudgery, the young generation did not prefer to take up the jacquard weaving.

Impact of Adopting Modernization In Handloom Industry – A StudyR.G. Panneerselvam, Director, Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Varanasi (UP)

ArticleArticleArticle

Fig. 7a – Mechanical punching

Therefore, many research works were taken up to device simple mechanisms to replace the lifting of 10 to 15 kgs. load by pressing the treadle using right leg. One such device is 'Pneumatic power lifting mechanism' invented for lifting jacquard hooks (Fig. 6b). In this mechanism, the hooks lifting lever of the jacquard machine is

operated by the lever of an air pump. The required air for the pump is generated by a compressor run by a motor. The filling and releasing of air in the pump is done through a small pedal which is pressed by the right forefoot of the weaver. The other device is 'Direct motor power' mechanism (Fig. 6b). In this mechanism, the hooks lifting lever of the jacquard machine is operated through lever pressed by the rotating cam fixed in a small motor. The motor is operated by a small pedal which is pressed by the right forefoot of the weaver. These two mechanisms are being well adopted by the Handloom weavers to operate multiple jacquards in Handlooms and proved successful. After finding the reduced drudgery and increased ergonomic comfort in operating the jacquard machines with these two mechanisms, many young weavers are now coming forward to work in Handlooms with jacquard. The male weavers whose age

is 40 to 50 and female weavers could also weave by operating the jacquards using these mechanisms.

At this juncture, a question get raised in our minds is that 'Does the use of motor in handloom to operate the jacquard convert it to powerloom?' For argument sake it should not be superficially generalized that use of

motor converts the handloom into power loom. It is made clear that in the above two mechanisms, the motor is used to perform only shedding motion in the loom to lift the load of 10 to 15 kgs. Again, weaver is using his right leg to operate the pedal intermittently (not continuously) for each picking either to release the air as in the case of pneumatic power mechanism or to give power connection to rotate the motor as in the case of motor power mechanism. In both the cases, the picking is done by hand with fly shuttle and throw shuttle, beating is done by hand and let-off, take-up is also by hand. Hence use of motor to operate the jacquard intermittently in

handloom does not convert the handloom into powerloom.

vii) The graph designing for 120 hooks jacquard were prepared manually. The pattern card punching was also done manually using e i t h e r s i m p l e punching plate or m e c h a n i c a l punching machines (Fig. 7a). When the capacity of jacquard was increased, it took long time for designing and card

10

Fig. 6a – Jacquard operated by leg operation

Fig. 6b – Jacquard operated by Pneumaticand Jacquard operated by motor cam lever

ArticleArticleArticle

Interview / OpinionInterview / OpinionInterview / Opinion

punching. Manual error in designing and punching were also inevitable because of increased mental and physical stress involved. Transferring of designs and pattern cards from one cluster to another was also cumbersome. To overcome these difficulties, Computer Aided Graph Designing (CAGD) and Computer Aided Card Punching (CACP) (Fig. 7b) have been adopted concurrently when multiple jacquards are used. Use of CAGD facilitates to do designing at faster rate irrespective of increased hooks capacity that too with lot of intricacy in designing. It also becomes possible to combine CAGD with CACP to avoid printing of graph. Error free designing and punching is possible because of reduced mental and physical stress. Transferring of designs through email is also another advantage.

Conclusion

It is evident from the study that adoption of the technological developments without any second thought is one of the strong reasons behind the success and prosperity seen in Handloom silk saree weaving clusters in South India. The weft way intricacy and attractive layouts of the silk sarees are kept alive without any compromise. The traditional characteristics and the intricacy of sarees of these regions automatically make the upper segment customers to distinguish it from the powerloom made silk sarees. After seeing the increasing usage of multiple jacquards in handloom, many mechanical jacquard manufacturers and the technicians involved in jacquard designing have already started bringing their first model of simple electronic jacquard machine which is suitable to fit into the handloom. The day is not far away to see every silk saree weaving handloom with electronic jacquard and a computer. We could able to see every silk saree become Designer's Saree having a unique design without any repetition produced without any graph and without punching a single card.

References

The information are collected from the weavers, designers, loom technicians, master weavers and traders of handloom silk saree weaving clusters and the observations are noted from their work place and working culture.

11

Fig. 7b. – Computer Aided Card Punching

Council has been presenting Awards for best export performance of Handloom Products every year. ILA Home Fashions, Panipat have won Gold Medal under Category I for Outstanding Overall Export Performance of Handloom Products in the 27th Export Awards. Edited excerpts from the interview with Ms.Ruchi Gupta, Proprietor, M/s. ILA Home Fashions, Panipat are as follows:

1. What do you think is the secret of your success?

Blessings of GOD & elders, continuous hard work, patience, & team support - working towards common goal of providing value to customer with efficient services are the secret of our success.

2. What are the motivating factors that propelled you to become an award winner?

Growth is considered a way of life – it is not about the award, it is zeal to grow & explore.

Mrs.Ruchi Gupta, Proprietor, M/s. ILA Home Fashions

Interview / OpinionInterview / OpinionInterview / Opinion

ReportReportReport

3. What are the major markets that you cater?

USA, UK, Australia.

4. In your opinion, what range of products are in demand in the markets you cater?

Products are sold across categories; it is the innovation/ newness/texture/value that a customer wants.

5. What are the major challenges you encounter in exporting Handloom products?

Availability of labor & more so, less inclination of new labor joining this industry, infrastructure bottlenecks like port, roads, power, etc.

6. What kind of support mechanism do you expect from the Government?

Better currency conversion to enable to compete with China and others countries, lower bank interest rate,

quicker dept. clearances/refunds which enables to improve working funds, approval for special textile zone in Panipat (related to our town trade that would enhance competitiveness) and improved infrastructure facilities which government is already laying emphasis.

7. What is your opinion on the new Foreign Trade Policy?

Government is working diligently as a well coordinating team with a vision & an aim towards promoting SMEs more.

8. What are the areas you feel Council should focus to better serve Member Exporters?

Common problems all exporters face is that if we can request govt for more promotion of textile SMEs.

The Council organized participation in the Home st rdTextiles & Apparel Sourcing Expo held from 21 to 23

July 2015 at Jacob K.Javits Center, NewYork, USA.

About the Country and the business:

The U.S. is a country of 50 states covering a vast swathe

of North America, with Alaska in the extreme Northwest

and Hawaii extending the nation's presence into the

Pacific Ocean. Major cities include New York, a global

finance and culture center and Washington, DC, the

capital, both on the Atlantic Coast; Los Angeles, famed

for film making, on the Pacific Coast; and the Midwestern

metropolis Chicago. The Population of USA is about

Home Textiles & Apparel Sourcing Expo, New York, USAM.Anandabalaji, Assistant Director

12

Report Report Report

13

318.9 million as per 2014 data. The United States has a

capitalist economy.

As per DGCI&S, Kolkata data export of handloom

produc t s dur ing FY 2014-15 dropped to

Rs. 659 crore / US$ 108 million as against Rs.713 crore /

US$ 118 million registered during FY 2013-14 thereby

registering negative trend of 8%. The overall trend was

(-)47% during FY 2013-14 and (-)8% during FY 2014-15.

Fabrics have registered growth of 117% and 35%

respectively during FYs 2013-14 and 2014-15. Similarly,

clothing accessories have also registered growth of 56%

and 81% respectively during FYs 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Madeups have witnessed negative trend of 67% and 12%

respectively during 2013-14 and 2014-15. Floor coverings

have witnessed growth of 51% during 2013-14 and

negative trend of 7% during 2014-15.

About the fair:

Home Textiles Sourcing Expo is co-located with

Texworld USA and the International Apparel Sourcing

Show creating one of the largest sourcing destinations in

the US. This show covers full spectrum of fabric and

finished soft-goods manufactured for the categories such

as bath, bed, floor coverings, kitchen, outdoor, pillows,

tabletop, upholstery, wall coverings and window

coverings. Home Textiles Sourcing Expo feature many

product groups under Fabrics / Components and

Finished Products. The organiser of the show is Messe

Frankfurt, Inc. Home Textiles Sourcing Expo provides

manufacturers, retailers, jobbers, converters, contract

specifiers and designers - a one stop sourcing venue to

locate new fabrics and products for their latest

collections. In addition to the products, seminar

programs led by leading industry professionals are also

organized by the fair authorities.

About Our participation:

USA is the largest market for our exports (USA

accounts for 29.34% of total handloom exports).

ReportReportReport

Export Data AnalysisExport Data AnalysisExport Data Analysis

As per DGCI&S, Kolkata data export of handloom products during April 2015 was Rs.162 crore / US$ 27 million as against Rs.152 crore / US$ 25 million registered during April 2014 thereby registering growth of 6.49%.

During April 2015, fabrics, madeups & clothing accessories have registered growth of 89.06%, 14.83% and 33.97% respectively whereas floor coverings has registered decline of 10% in comparison to the corresponding period.

14

Hence, participation in this fair is being organized for

the past few years. During this year, HEPC organized

group participation for 10 member exporters and had

taken a central promotional stall of 9 sq.mtrs

aggregating to 102 sq.mtrs. The products displayed by

the members were mainly bath mats, rugs, kitchen linen,

table linen, bed linen, shawls, stoles, throws, hand

crafted bags, curtains etc.

In order to disseminate information about

Handlooms, Council put up posters in the stall and

also distributed brochures. Further videos on

handlooms were screened through-out

the day.

Observations at the fair ground:

On the first day, the fair started normally as all

our members received some footfalls and

enquiries. Buyer movement was normal and it

was a fine day for all the members. The

footfall registered significant increase on third

day after a relative drop on second day. The

third day of the fair was very good as most of

the member exporters had good enquiries

and also noted that the quality of buyers was

good. In case of repeat participation in this

event, most member participants expressed

their interest to continue their participation

owing to the need to establish their entry &

presence in the US market.

About 178 buyers have visited our member stalls from

places all over the US. The total trade enquiries

generated for member participants was to the tune of

about Rs.6.52 crore i.e. USD 10,02,000 and spot

orders booked was to the tune of about Rs.1.04 crore

i.e. USD 1,59,500.

Shri. G.Sreenivasa Rao, Consul (Trade, Education &

Commerce) from O/o CGI, New York visited the fair on

the last day of the event and discussed with the members

about the business & fair.

FABRICS

Lungies 0.06 0.13 0.34 0.82 138.54

Dhotis 0.03 0.01 0.19 0.03 -82.76

Sarees 0.03 0.04 0.17 0.24 37.77

Other Fabrics 0.84 1.61 5.09 9.86 93.80

0.96 1.79 5.79 10.95 89.06

MADEUPS

Bed linen 1.84 3.41 11.13 20.85 87.31

Table linen 0.73 1.49 4.38 9.08 107.31

Toilet & kitchen linen 1.11 1.70 6.68 10.40 55.72

Cushion covers 4.18 1.44 25.21 8.79 -65.12

Other Furnishing articles 1.57 1.74 9.46 10.67 12.71

Other Madeups 1.30 2.37 7.82 14.49 85.17

10.72 12.15 64.69 74.28 14.83

FLOOR COVERINGS

Carpet and Floor coverings including mats & mattings 12.15 10.75 73.35 65.73 -10.39

CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

Scarves, Stoles, Gloves, Mitts, Mittens etc. 1.33 1.75 8.01 10.73 33.97

Grand Total 25.16 26.44 151.83 161.68 6.49

April 2014

Value US$ Million Value INR Crore Products

April 2015 April 2015% Growth

April 2014

Table detailing export of handloom products for the month April 2015 vis-à-vis April 2014

Fabrics in sqm 555377 865574 55.85

Floor coverings in Sqm 3118139 2802826 -10.11

Clothing accessories in Nos. 427729 397699 -7.02

Madeups in Kgs. 583174 669148 14.74

Madeups in Nos. 3081920 2519896 -18.24

April 2014Product Category April 2015 % growth

Table indicating quantity exported during April 2015 vis-à-vis April 2014

Fabrics - products exported reached 865574 sq.m

during April 2015 as against 555377 sq.m during April

2014 thereby registering growth of 60%. Floor

coverings – products exported reached 2802826 sq.m

during 2015 as against 3118139 sq.m during 2014

thereby registering decline of 10%. Clothing

accessories – products exported reached 397699

numbers during April 2015 as against 427729 numbers

15

Export Data AnalysisExport Data AnalysisExport Data Analysis

during April 2014 thereby registering decline of 7%.

Madeups are exported in kgs and numbers. Madeups

that are exported in kgs reached 669148 kgs. during

April 2015 as against 583174 kgs during April 2014

thereby registering growth of 15%. Madeups that are

exported in numbers reached 2519896 numbers during

April 2015 as against 3081920 numbers during April

2014 thereby registering negative trend of 18%.

Fabrics 5.79 10.95 89.06

Floor coverings 73.35 65.73 -10.39

Clothing accessories 8.01 10.73 33.97

Madeups 64.69 74.28 14.83

Total 151.83 161.68 6.49

April 2014

Value INR croreProduct Category

April 2015% growth

Table indicating export value during April 2015 vis-à-vis April 2014

Qu

an

tity

Product Category

Fabrics in sqm Floor coverings in sqm

Clothing accessories

in Nos.

Madeups in Kgs.

Madeups in Nos.

16

Valu

e IN

R c

rore

Product Category

Export Data AnalysisExport Data AnalysisExport Data Analysis

USA, the leading importer of handloom products has registered growth of 34% during April 2015 followed by UAE with 239%, Nigeria with 106%, Japan with 5%, South Africa with 13% and Australia with 39%. UK, Italy, Germany and France have registered negative trend of 6%, 5.90%, 39.63% and 37.60% respectively.

Top 10 destinations occupy 68.26% share of the total export of handloom products. USA occupies 31.01% share followed by UK with 6.55%, Italy with 5.81%, Germany with 5.34%, UAE with 5.24%, Nigeria with 3.32%, Japan with 3.13%, France with 2.81%, South Africa with 2.54% and Australia with 2.50% share of total export of handloom products.

1 U S A 37.36 50.14 34.22 31.01

2 U K 11.26 10.59 -5.96 6.55

3 Italy 9.98 9.40 -5.83 5.81

4 Germany 14.31 8.64 -39.63 5.34

5 U Arab Emts 2.50 8.46 239.17 5.24

6 Nigeria 2.61 5.37 105.88 3.32

7 Japan 4.82 5.06 5.15 3.13

8 France 7.29 4.55 -37.59 2.81

9 South Africa 3.63 4.10 13.00 2.54

10 Australia 2.90 4.04 39.30 2.50

Total 110.36 68.26

Total export of handloom products 161.68

April 2014

Value INR CroreCountryS.

No April 2015

% share in total export% growth

Table indicating export of handloom products to top 10 destinations during April 2015 vis-à-vis April 2014

Valu

e IN

R c

rore

Country

17

Export Data AnalysisExport Data AnalysisExport Data Analysis

1. Patchouli Fair19f Paxcroft Farm, HilpertonWiltshire Zipcode : Ba14 6jb United KingdomTelephone : 44(0)7981-945771Website : www.patchoulifair.co.ukImport : Cushion Covers

2. Pepe Penalver Intl. S. A.Valdegovia S/N NaveMadrid Zipcode : 28034 SpainTelephone : 34-917293357 Fax : 34-917294787Email : ventas@pepepenalver.com; export@pepepenalver.comWebsite : www.pepepenalver.comImport : Furnishing Fabrics

3. Pine-Life Wohnkonzepte GmbhRitterstr. 12Aachen Zipcode : 52072 GermanyTelephone : 49-241-88688-0 Fax : 88688-22E-Mail : info@pine-life.de Website : www.pine-life.deImport : Home Furnishings, Cushions, Home Textiles

4. Planet Asia Ltd.67 Larcombe Road, St AustellCornwall Zipcode : Pl 25 3ey, United KingdomTelephone : 44-7748-012546E-Mail : enquiry@planetasia.biz Website : www.planetasia.bizImport : Home Decorations

5. Plauspitz GmbhAm Johannisberg 17, Oelsnitz, Vogtland. Zipcode : D-08606 GermanyTelephone : 49 374214770 Fax : 3742147744E-Mail : info@plauspitz.de Website : www.plauspitz.deImport : Furnishing Fabrics, Curtains

6. Powell Craft LtdValley Road, Mevagissey, The Old Chapel, CornwallSt Austell Zipcode : Pl26 6ue United KingdomTelephone : 01273 622023 Fax : 01273 622024E-Mail : sales@powellcraft.co.uk Website : www.powellcraft.co.uk

7. Praia Articles Textiles S. A.Avda. Font Del Marfo,12, CentellesBarcelona Zipcode : 08540 SpainTelephone : 938810080 Fax : 34-938812552E-Mail : ; praia@praia.es export@praia.esWebsite : www.praia.esImport : Linen Textiles

8. Romo GmbhOttostrabe 5Munchen Zipcode : 80333 GermanyTelephone : 49-89-8966616 Fax : 49-89-89666189E-Mail : info@romo.de Website : www.romo.deImport : Furnishing Fabrics, Curtains, Upholstery Leather Fabrics

9. S Franses Ltd.Jermyn Street, At Duke StreetLondon Zipcode : Sw1y 6jd United KingdomTelephone : 44-207-9761234 Fax : 44-207-9308451E-Mail : gallery@franses.com Website : www.franses.comImport : Tapestries

10. Sahco Hesslein Gmbh & Co. KgKreuzburger Strafe 17-19Nurenberg Zipcode : 90471 GermanyTelephone : 911-9987-0 Fax : 911-9987-480E-Mail : mail@sahco-hesslein.com Website : www.sahco-hesslein.comImport : Furnishing Fabrics

List of importers of Handloom productsList of importers of Handloom productsList of importers of Handloom productsList of Importers of Handloom ProductsList of Importers of Handloom ProductsList of Importers of Handloom Products

19

REPEAT EVENTS

S.No Name of the event Date Status

1 Hong Kong International Home Textiles &rd

Furnishings Fair, Hong Kong 20-23 April 2015 Completed

2 Hometextile Sourcing / Apparel Sourcing rd

Expo, New York, USA 21-23 July 2015 Completed

th3 26 India Home Furnishing Fair,

th Osaka, Japan 22-24 July 2015 Completed

th4 Textil House Fair, Sao Paulo, Brazil 13-16 August 2015 Registration Closed

5 Intertextile Shanghai Hometextiles, th

Shanghai 26-28 August 2015 Registration Closed

th6 WHO's NEXT, Paris, France 4-7 September 2015 Registration Closed

th7 Maison & Objet, Paris , France 4-8 September 2015 Registration Closed

8 Singapore International Indian Shopping th

Festival, Singapore 24-27 September 2015 Registration Open

th9 IHGF, Greater Noida- India 14-18 October 2015 Registration Open

st10 China Import & Export Fair 31 October -

th ( CANTON ), China 4 November 2015 Registration Closed

11 Australian International Sourcing Fair, th

Melbourne, Australia 16-18 November 2015 Registration Open

nd12 Home & Tex , Istanbul, Turkey, 19-22 November 2015 Registration Open

th13 AF L'artigiano de Fiera, Milan , Italy 5-13 December 2015 Registration Open

th14 Heimtextil, Frankfurt, Germany 12-15 January 2016 Registration Closed

th15 Domotex, Hanover, Germany 16-19 January 2016 Circular issued/Registration Open

st16 Hong Kong Fashion Week, Hong Kong 18-21 January 2016 Registration Open

th17 WHO's NEXT, Paris, France 22-25 January 2016 Registration Open

18 Standalone Show in LAC To be finalized Registration Open

19 Standalone show in Eastern Europe To be finalized Registration Open

th20 6 India International Handwoven Fair,

th Chennai, India 9-11 March 2016 Registration Open

Fairs listed in Sl. No.1-7, 10, 14, 15 & 20 are already approved. Approval is awaited for all other remaining fairs.

Calendar of Events for the year 2015-16Calendar of Events for the year 2015-16Calendar of Events for the year 2015-16

20