Textiles: Weavers & Co- Operatives Societies.

The Weaver's cooperative movement in India has its origins in the early 20th century, with the establishment of the first cooperative society in 1905 in Madras. It was known as the Madras Handloom Weaver's Cooperative Society. 

The main objective of these cooperatives was to uplift the socio-economic conditions of weavers by eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair wages for their products.

The cooperative movement gained momentum during India's independence struggle, as it aligned with the principles of self-reliance and economic empowerment for the marginalized sections of society. 

Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi actively promoted the use of khadi to promote rural industries and empower weavers.

Over time, various provinces also took initiatives to support and organize weavers into cooperative societies to enhance their bargaining power, access to credit, and modernize their production methods. 

Today, the cooperative model remains an essential aspect of the handloom and textile industry in India, helping preserve traditional crafts and improving the livelihoods of weavers.


In the 1920s our community people inspired by the benefits of co-operative societies joined hands in creating The Bangalore City Weaver's co-operative Society Ltd which was situated in Cubbonpet Bengaluru.

This society was instrumental in helping members for many decades unfortunately with the bifurcation of the textile sector into Handloom and Powerloom lead to the creation of Mysore State Powerloom Manufacturers co operative society Avenue Road Bengaluru in 1950.

And for Handloom Weavers The Mysore Provincial Silk Handloom Weavers Co Operative Society Ltd which is situated on Sri Devara Dasmayayya Road, Bengaluru was established.

The effectiveness of Weaver's' cooperative societies in India has been both positive and challenging, with varying degrees of success across different regions and time periods.

I.Positive aspects:

1. Empowerment of Weavers:
Cooperative societies have empowered weavers by providing them with a collective platform to negotiate fair wages, access credit, and procure raw materials at reasonable prices.

2. Elimination of Middlemen:
By bypassing middlemen and selling directly to consumers, cooperative societies have helped weavers receive better prices for their products and increase their income.

3. Preserving Traditional Crafts: 
Cooperative societies play a crucial role in preserving traditional weaving techniques and crafts, promoting cultural heritage and diversity.

4. Access to Government Support: 
Many weavers' cooperative societies receive support from the government in the form of subsidies, training programs, and marketing assistance, which further strengthens their operations.

II.Challenges:

1. Market Competition:
 In the face of increasing competition from mass-produced textiles and cheaper imports, some cooperative societies struggle to maintain market relevance.

2. Financial Sustainability:
Financial sustainability remains a significant challenge for many weavers' cooperatives, as they often face cash flow issues, which can lead to inadequate payments to the weavers.

3. Infrastructural and Technological Constraints:
Lack of modern infrastructure and technology can hinder the productivity and efficiency of cooperative societies.

4. Bureaucratic and Administrative Hurdles:
Some cooperative societies face administrative challenges and bureaucratic red tape, which can slow down decision-making processes and hinder growth.

Despite these challenges, weavers' cooperative societies continue to be an essential part of the Indian handloom and textile industry, contributing to the socio-economic development of weavers and the preservation of traditional crafts. 

Addressing the challenges they face requires a collaborative effort from the government, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure their sustained effectiveness and growth.

"A single thread may be weak, but in the hands of a weavers' cooperative society, it becomes a powerful fabric of collective progress."

The Warp and Weft Society:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/G0GlK16k5nMJIeLRhYgXL1
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