{"id":2034,"date":"2026-10-07T10:44:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T10:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/?p=2034"},"modified":"2026-10-07T10:44:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T10:44:15","slug":"empowering-rural-women-through-handloom-micro-enterprises","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/2026\/10\/07\/empowering-rural-women-through-handloom-micro-enterprises\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Rural Women through Handloom Micro-Enterprises"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- Success Story: Rampar SHG Handloom - KVK Udalguri | Paste into a WordPress \"Custom HTML\" block -->\n<style>\n.hl-wrap{--r9:#7f1d1d;--r7:#b91c1c;--r5:#ef4444;--r1:#fef2f2;--cr:#fffaf3;--g9:#14532d;--g7:#15803d;--g1:#ecfdf3;--amb:#b45309;--amb1:#fef3c7;--ink:#1f2937;--mut:#6b7280;--line:#e5e7eb;\n  font-family:\"Segoe UI\",Roboto,\"Helvetica Neue\",Arial,sans-serif;color:var(--ink);line-height:1.75;max-width:1000px;margin:0 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p:last-child{margin:0}\n.hl-foot{text-align:center;font-size:13px;color:var(--mut);margin-top:22px;padding-top:14px;border-top:1px solid var(--line)}\n@media(max-width:760px){\n  .hl-hero{padding:30px 20px 52px}.hl-hero h2{font-size:22px}.hl-hero .hl-sub{font-size:16px}\n  .hl-stats{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:10px;margin:-28px 10px 28px}\n  .hl-stat b{font-size:20px}\n  .hl-chal,.hl-int{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .hl-prod,.hl-sus{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}\n  .hl-prow{grid-template-columns:84px 1fr}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"hl-wrap\">\n\n  <div class=\"hl-hero\">\n    <span class=\"hl-tag\">Success Story &nbsp;|&nbsp; Handloom<\/span>\n    <h2>Empowering Rural Women through Handloom Micro-Enterprises<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"hl-sub\">The journey of Rampar Self Help Group, Nalkhamara<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hl-meta\"><span>Nalkhamara village, Udalguri District, Assam<\/span><span>|<\/span><span>Supported by KVK Udalguri<\/span><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-stats\">\n    <div class=\"hl-stat\"><b>15<\/b><small>Women Weavers<\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl-stat\"><b>Rs 13.89 lakh<\/b><small>Net Return (2023-24)<\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl-stat\"><b>166%<\/b><small>Rise in Net Return<\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl-stat\"><b>20<\/b><small>Standardised Products<\/small><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec\">\n    <h3>Abstract<\/h3>\n    <div class=\"hl-abs\">\n      <p>Handloom weaving is a way of life across rural and urban Assam and an important source of extra income for many households. In Nalkhamara village of Udalguri district, 15 skilled women weavers came together as the Rampar Self Help Group. Limited resources and the lack of a marketing channel held them back, so they sought help from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Udalguri. Through a demonstration on capacity building, input support, guidance on modern marketing and help in obtaining the Handloom Mark, KVK helped the group raise its net return by about 166 per cent, from Rs 5.23 lakh in 2019-20 to Rs 13.89 lakh in 2023-24.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec\">\n    <h3>Background<\/h3>\n    <p>The handloom sector plays a vital role in providing employment to rural women in Assam, mainly using natural fibres such as cotton, silk and jute. In the remote areas of Udalguri district, where Bodo and Rabha communities live, women hold rich traditional knowledge and skill in weaving.<\/p>\n    <p>Nalkhamara, a village of 214 households, is known for its skilled weavers. Fifteen of its most talented weavers formed the Rampar Self Help Group, but they faced serious difficulties:<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hl-chal\">\n      <div><b>Limited Resources<\/b>Little capital and few inputs to expand production<\/div>\n      <div><b>No Marketing Support<\/b>No fair-price outlet, leaving very thin profit margins<\/div>\n      <div><b>Power Loom Competition<\/b>Cheap power loom goods flooding the market in peak seasons<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec\">\n    <h3>KVK Intervention<\/h3>\n    <p>In 2020-21, KVK Udalguri conducted a demonstration on capacity building of women weavers through production and marketing of handloom products such as gamosa. The aims were to standardise products, improve marketability and raise the weavers&#8217; income. All 15 members took part enthusiastically in the trainings and demonstrations.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hl-int\">\n      <div><h4>Skill Training<\/h4><p>Training in weaving, dyeing and design, with emphasis on quality control and standardisation.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div><h4>Input Support<\/h4><p>Supply of different types of natural yarn to the group.<\/p><\/div>\n      <div><h4>Market Guidance<\/h4><p>Guidance on modern marketing, current market trends and customer demand.<\/p><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl-mark\">\n      <h4>Handloom Mark: a seal of quality<\/h4>\n      <p>KVK helped the group obtain the Handloom Mark label, awarded to products that meet quality and authenticity standards. The label assures buyers of genuine traditional craftsmanship, opened the door to wider markets, and filled the weavers with confidence and pride in their work.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec\">\n    <h3>Economic Impact<\/h3>\n    <p>Before the intervention, in 2019-20, the group earned a gross return of Rs 14.79 lakh against a cost of Rs 9.56 lakh, giving a net return of Rs 5.23 lakh. By 2023-24, the gross return had grown to Rs 35.56 lakh against a cost of Rs 21.67 lakh, and the net return rose to Rs 13.89 lakh, an increase of about 166 per cent. The benefit-cost ratio improved from 1.54 to 1.64. Better product quality, higher productivity, less time and effort per piece and wider market reach all contributed to this growth.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hl-up\"><b>+166%<\/b><span>Increase in net return, from Rs 5,22,697 (2019-20) to Rs 13,89,050 (2023-24)<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"hl-cmp\">\n      <div class=\"hl-legend\"><span class=\"la\">After intervention (2023-24)<\/span><span class=\"lb\">Before intervention (2019-20)<\/span><\/div>\n      <div class=\"hl-pair\">\n        <div class=\"hl-plab\">Gross return<\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2023-24<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill a\" style=\"width:100%\">Rs 35,56,000<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2019-20<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill b\" style=\"width:41.6%\">Rs 14,78,920<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"hl-pair\">\n        <div class=\"hl-plab\">Gross cost<\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2023-24<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill a\" style=\"width:60.9%\">Rs 21,66,950<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2019-20<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill b\" style=\"width:26.9%\">Rs 9,56,223<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"hl-pair\">\n        <div class=\"hl-plab\">Net return<\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2023-24<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill a\" style=\"width:39.1%\">Rs 13,89,050<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2019-20<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill b\" style=\"width:14.7%\">Rs 5,22,697<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"hl-pair\">\n        <div class=\"hl-plab\">Benefit-cost ratio<\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2023-24<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill a\" style=\"width:100%\">1.64<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class=\"hl-prow\"><span>2019-20<\/span><div class=\"hl-track\"><div class=\"hl-fill b\" style=\"width:93.9%\">1.54<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec\">\n    <h3>Diversified Products<\/h3>\n    <p>With KVK&#8217;s support, the group has mastered standardised production and now experiments with new designs that keep traditional motifs alive. They make 20 types of products in both Assamese and Rabha designs.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hl-prod\">\n      <div><span>Gamosa (one-side flower)<\/span><small>Rs 175<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Gamosa (both-side flower)<\/span><small>Rs 600 &#8211; 1,000<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Wedding gamosa<\/span><small>Rs 1,200 &#8211; 2,000<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Mekhela chadar<\/span><small>Rs 1,200 &#8211; 2,200<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Mercerised single mekhela<\/span><small>Rs 300 &#8211; 500<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Eri shawl<\/span><small>Rs 1,500 &#8211; 3,000<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Cotton saree<\/span><small>Rs 500 &#8211; 1,500<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Rabha dhoti<\/span><small>Rs 500 &#8211; 800<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Seleng chadar<\/span><small>Rs 500<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Single chadar<\/span><small>Rs 200 &#8211; 330<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Bed sheet<\/span><small>Rs 800 &#8211; 1,200<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Table cloth set<\/span><small>Rs 850<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Dining mat with runner<\/span><small>Rs 450 &#8211; 800<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Sofa bag<\/span><small>Rs 1,200 &#8211; 1,500<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Handbag<\/span><small>Rs 500 &#8211; 1,000<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Shopping bag<\/span><small>Rs 330 &#8211; 850<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Apron with Rabha or Bodo motif<\/span><small>Rs 700 &#8211; 800<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Bath towel<\/span><small>Rs 200 &#8211; 300<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Baby napkin set<\/span><small>Rs 200<\/small><\/div>\n      <div><span>Handkerchief<\/span><small>Rs 40 &#8211; 80<\/small><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <p class=\"hl-note\">Prices shown are approximate selling price ranges.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec\">\n    <h3>Sustainable Practices<\/h3>\n    <p>The group uses natural fabrics and dyes made from locally available resources. This makes the fabric last longer, protects the environment, and gives the weavers pride in making products that are eco-friendly and socially responsible.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hl-sus\"><div>Natural fibres<\/div><div>Natural dyes<\/div><div>Local resources<\/div><div>Traditional motifs<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-sec hl-close\">\n    <h3>Conclusion<\/h3>\n    <p>The story of the Rampar Self Help Group shows the resilience, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the women weavers of Assam. By preserving traditional craftsmanship while adopting modern techniques and market practices, they have carved out a place for themselves in a competitive market. Their success shows the great potential of the handloom sector for empowering women and developing rural communities. Continued support from government, NGOs and other stakeholders through credit, market linkages and skill development will be vital to keep this heritage alive and help many more women prosper.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"hl-foot\">Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Udalguri &nbsp;|&nbsp; Success Story<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"565\" height=\"348\" src=\"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/handloom.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/handloom.jpg 565w, https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/handloom-300x185.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Success Story &nbsp;|&nbsp; Handloom Empowering Rural Women through Handloom Micro-Enterprises The journey of Rampar Self Help Group, Nalkhamara Nalkhamara village, Udalguri District, Assam|Supported by KVK Udalguri 15Women Weavers Rs 13.89 lakhNet Return (2023-24) 166%Rise in Net Return 20Standardised Products Abstract Handloom weaving is a way of life across rural and urban Assam and an important&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2034","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-success-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2034"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2036,"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2034\/revisions\/2036"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2034"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2034"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kvkudalguri.aau.ac.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}