Silk sarees worth over Rs 80 cr stagnating in central region

The two Tamil months of Panguni and Chithirai are the beginning of the seasonal sale for silk sarees. Weavers in these pockets, who made products worth Rs 80 crore for sale during the two months, could not move them to the retailers due to the lockdown restrictions.

As a result, the weavers struggle to meet even the daily needs of their families. So they have appealed the State government for a cash relief of Rs 5,000 per month until their business returns to normal.

“A business for Rs 30 lakh per day in the Cooperative Society and Rs 50 lakh from the private firms used to take place and the lockdown has completely brought the sector down to its knees,” said State president of Handloom Association (AITUC) G Manimurthy.

Manimurthy also said, anticipating business during the peak seasons, weavers used to make sarees well in advance, but this year, everything has stagnated as this product does not come under essential commodities.

“Even after May 3, if we are allowed to resume our activities, we will get only 30 per cent of annual business. So the State government should help us with a cash relief of Rs 5,000 per month to a family and essential commodities till our business returns to normal,” he added.

Due to the lockdown, people from all walks of life have been affected and many have lost their livelihood including the traditional weavers who make silk sarees to sell them during the peak business months of Panguni, Chithirai (marriage season), Vaigasi, Aani, Aadi and Avani when there would be many festivals as well as weddings.

Sources said, to produce one silk saree at least 27 skilled hands will be required and around 30,000 workers are directly and indirectly involved in the silk saree business in the four districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Perambalur and Ariyalur.