NABARD held a “National Seminar on Handloom” at its Head Office in Mumbai on Friday to promote dialogue on issues surrounding the Indian handloom sector – its challenges, opportunities and the way forward. The event took place on the sidelines of ongoing Mahalaxmi SARAS Mela, an exhibition-cum-sale fair of rural handicraft and handloom, organised by the Government of Maharashtra and co-sponsored by NABARD.
Gracing the occasion, Shri S K Panda, Former Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI delivered a special address. Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Chairman, NABARD delivered keynote address while Shri R Amalorpavanathan, DMD, NABARD talked about the objective of organising the seminar. Shri H R Dave, DMD, NABARD and Dr. S Saravanavel, CGM, OFDD were also present on the dais.
NABARD has been engaging with the Off Farm sector over the past three decades and the seminar was a much-needed step to better understand the dynamics of the handloom sector. The seminar gained its strength from the presence of industry doyens and senior government officials having domain expertise.