KALYANI ANUMALA

Clothing is one of the basic needs of human beings and first produced by using handlooms. Cloth can be produced by three ways: using handloom, power loom, and mills. Mill sector falls under organized sector, where as the handloom and power looms fall under unorganized sector. The supply chain in this unorganized sector is different and not given any importance. The main aim of the study is to examine the relationship between supply chain management practices and production performance in Indian handloom industry. Data is collected from the master weavers of Undivided State of Andhra Pradesh and analysed using structural equation modeling. The study found that there is a relationship between the supply chain management practices and production performance.

Clothing is one of the basic needs of human beings and first produced by using handlooms. Cloth can be produced by three ways: using handloom, power loom, and mills. Mill sector falls under organized sector, where as the handloom and power looms fall under unorganized sector. The supply chain in this unorganized sector is different and not given any importance. The main aim of the study is to examine the relationship between supply chain management practices and production performance in Indian handloom industry. Data is collected from the master weavers of Undivided State of Andhra Pradesh and analysed using structural equation modeling. The study found that there is a relationship between the supply chain management practices and production performance.

In the last 100 years, the handloom industry one of the ancient industries of India has faced a lot of changes in the form of mechanization, fibers used, refined methods of manufacturing and designing etc. (Rajeswari, 2017). In the current scenario, the handloom sector has lost its potential for competition when compared with other sectors, especially in terms of market share, and has become almost illusory in most of the countries. Keeping this in view the study aims to understand the issues of supply chain management practices involving master weavers in handloom industry and the impact of supply chain management practices on product quality. This study adopted quantitative methodology, where 365 master weavers were selected through purposive sampling technique. The study findings reveal that the handloom industry is unorganized. This reflects that there is a supply chain management issue which in turn impacts product quality.

In the last 100 years, the handloom industry one of the ancient industries of India has faced a lot of changes in the form of mechanization, fibers used, refined methods of manufacturing and designing etc. (Rajeswari, 2017). In the current scenario, the handloom sector has lost its potential for competition when compared with other sectors, especially in terms of market share, and has become almost illusory in most of the countries. Keeping this in view the study aims to understand the issues of supply chain management practices involving master weavers in handloom industry and the impact of supply chain management practices on product quality. This study adopted quantitative methodology, where 365 master weavers were selected through purposive sampling technique. The study findings reveal that the handloom industry is unorganized. This reflects that there is a supply chain management issue which in turn impacts product quality.

Tradition of weaving by hand is a part of the country’s cultural ethos. Handloom sector is one of the largest economic activities providing employment to approximately 43.32 lakhs workforce directly or indirectly and about 23.77 lakhs of different handloom units all over the country. Handloom is unparalleled in its flexibility and versatility, permitting experimentation and encouraging innovation. There is a need to strengthen this sector given the employment potential and market demand for handloom products. Product diversification through technology and innovative designs is very much essential for the survival of this rich cultural heritage of India.
The present paper will explore the opportunities for innovative designs and technology changes in handloom sector. The study identify various designs that can be produced on handloom cotton fabric by adopting different printing technology methods without involving much infrastructure and to create fancy effect on the handloom products for the ever changing fashion market. New technologies have been developed for weaving of the products like stole, scarf, muffler, mats, napkins, towels and so on.
The paper examines the need for new technology opportunities for developing innovative designs for handloom products.