SFURTI revitalized Amarchinta Silk Handloom Cluster
By fmadmin
Revitalizing Tradition: The SFURTI initiative transformed the century-old Amarchinta Silk Handloom Cluster in Telangana
Synopsis
The Amarchinta Silk Handloom Cluster in Wanaparthy District, Telangana, boasts a legacy of over a century in silk saree weaving. However, the artisans faced systemic challenges that hindered growth and sustainability. Under the SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) initiative, the Foundation for MSME Clusters implemented a comprehensive intervention to address these challenges. The project aimed to revitalize the cluster through infrastructure development, capacity building, and innovative marketing, ensuring a sustainable future for the artisans while preserving their traditional craft.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the project were:
- To modernize the infrastructure and enhance production capacity of the cluster.
- To provide artisans with training in advanced weaving techniques and garment manufacturing.
- To develop effective marketing strategies to increase sales and market reach.
- To improve artisan incomes and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
- To integrate modern management systems and tools for better operational efficiency.
Pre-Intervention Situation
Before the intervention, the Amarchinta cluster was characterized by outdated production methods and limited access to resources. Artisans relied on traditional handlooms, which led to inconsistent production and limited scalability. With no structured marketing channels, sales were restricted to local buyers, resulting in low artisan incomes. Additionally, the lack of organized support systems and modern infrastructure left the cluster unable to compete in broader markets.
Challenges
The cluster faced several challenges, including:
- Limited financial resources to upgrade infrastructure and adopt new technology.
- Inadequate training and skill development among artisans.
- Poor access to markets and lack of visibility for their products.
- Irregular incomes, making it difficult for artisans to sustain their craft.
- Minimal awareness of modern management practices and digital tools.
Approach Taken by Foundation for MSME Clusters
The Foundation adopted a holistic approach to address these issues:
- Infrastructure Development: Establishment of a Common Facility Center (CFC) with 135 modern Jacquard looms, garmenting machinery, and a state-of-the-art production shed.
- Capacity Building: Training over 200 artisans in advanced weaving, garment manufacturing, and design development, with guidance from professional designers.
- Marketing Innovations: Launching an innovative buyer subscription scheme and partnerships with platforms like Indirootz. Showrooms and indirect marketing agents further expanded sales.
- Financial Support: Facilitating working capital loans and funding for additional facilities through NABARD and state cooperative banks.
- Digital Transformation: Implementation of a Management Information System (MIS), website development, and product cataloguing to enhance operational efficiency and market reach.
Impact and Outcomes
The intervention led to significant improvements:
- Annual sales increased by Rs. 35 lakh through the adoption of new designs and enhanced marketing.
- Artisan incomes saw a substantial rise due to increased production capacity and sales.
- Over 200 artisans acquired new skills, enabling them to diversify their craft.
- The cluster gained national recognition, participating in prestigious events like National Handloom Day fashion shows.
- Modernized infrastructure, including the 10,000 sq. ft. CFC, provided artisans with a conducive environment for production and growth.
- The cluster’s efforts ensured the preservation of Amarchinta’s cultural heritage while creating a sustainable future for its artisans.
This project exemplifies how targeted interventions can blend traditional artistry with modern advancements, ensuring economic resilience and cultural continuity.
The Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) specializes in promotion of MSMEs through cluster..
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