India CSR News Network

G.KALLUPATTI, TAMIL NADU: Export-Import Bank of India recently extended support to Aharam Weavers by way of organizing a skill development and capacity building training programme for women weavers.

Aharam Weavers is a fair trade producer owned company having its handloom weaving unit at a village near the foothills of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, engaged in producing organic cotton products of which 90% are exported to the overseas markets.

A group of women were trained by master weavers & tailors from the region. The objective of the training programme was to teach the semi-skilled women weavers to learn new & advanced techniques of weaving and gain knowledge & new innovative ideas of product development using modern techniques.

The Exim Bank’s support laid emphasize on training semi-skilled and non-skilled women weavers in several pre-looming & post-looming activities which resulted in making products using the handloom. Several women weavers were trained in handling operations of ordinary handloom & jacquard handloom and few women artisans were also trained in tailoring, finishing of products and quality check.

Exim Bank’s General Manager, Deepali Agrawal mentioned, “the Bank has taken up the responsibility to preserve Indian traditional art & craft. So far many such skill development workshops pan India have been conducted. The handloom sector too is a form of handicraft and the produce is environmental & skin friendly. This sector also boosts sustainable livelihood and leads to women empowerment.”

Agrawal further added, “India’s handloom products are well appreciated and have a good demand in overseas market.”

Mohanraj, Project Head, Aharam Weavers, stated, “the knowledge gained about different types of weaving techniques with different counts & quality of yarn resulted in up-gradation of existing skills as well as prototyping of high quality products suitable for the export market. Thanks to Exim Bank, that all the beneficiaries from the programme started earning regular income which contributed to their household expenses resulting in reducing the burdens of their life partners. The beneficiary participants are now being offered continuous employment even after completion of the training.”

Exim Bank of India, through its Marketing Advisory Services, plays a promotional role to create and enhance export capabilities and international competitiveness of Indian companies. Exim Bank assists in identification of opportunities overseas and seeks to help Indian exporting forms in their globalization efforts by proactively assisting in locating overseas distributors / buyers / partners for their products and services. The Bank extends support and promotes grassroots enterprises by providing specific interventions such as assistance in skill development, product development and export readiness, as well.