A Study on the Problems, and Issues of the Handloom Industry; A Special Reference of Maruthamunai Area.

Abstract

The handloom industry is one of the oldest industries in the world. From the earliest times it has been seen as a profession intertwined with human life. Manpower is seen as more essential than capital to the handloom industry. As a result, the industry is gaining ground in more populous countries where man power is readily available. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, most of the people living in rural areas are engaged in weaving here. Nowadays, however, weavers encounter many problems, and challenges. In the Maruthamunai, handloom industry has been chosen to explore this, explore the challenges, and issues they face. Based on this, this study aims to identify ways to improve this industry. In addition, the sub-objective is to identify the problems in advancing the weaving or handloom industry, and to come up with solutions. Field visit, observation, interviews, and questionnaire were the primary data collection method of the study. The questionnaires were distributed in random sampling method to 638 handloom small scale weavers among 8 Grama Nilathari Divisions of Maruthamunai, in order to achieve the sub objective of the study. Statistical reports, and annual reports of DSD, and GND, published articles, magazines, books, and internet sources were considered as the secondary data for the study. As well, the first, and secondary data thus obtained are analyzed  through ArcGIS 10.3, and presented as graphs, tables, and diagrams. The study area Maruthamunai has identified a number of issues in various fields such as raw material products, and appropriate solutions have been proposed.