Irani bats for IP protection to handloom weavers

Union Minister Smriti Irani today highlighted the need to introduce intellectual property protection for handloom weavers in the country.
Addressing a conference here, she said: "Handloom is our legacy, the potential of which need to be positioned and acknowledged not only domestically but also globally."
Tourism can promote the handloom industry, she added.
Development Commissioner - Handlooms Alok Kumar pointed out that with structured interventions in skills, technology, design and innovation, branding and marketing, the handloom sector has potential to scale up to a market size to about Rs 4 lakh crore in the next 6-7 years from estimated size of 1 lakh crore at present.

He also said market intelligence and strengthening of marketing linkages in terms of reduced intermediation would immensely support the sector in realising the potential.