Load-shedding, rising yarn prices affect  handloom industry in Sirajganj

SIRAJGANJ, Aug 23: Frequent load-shedding and rising prices of yarn, dyes and other raw materials are putting thousands of handloom owners and workers in Sirajganj in difficulty, with production falling at powerloom factories across the district.

Sirajganj is one of the country’s major handloom-producing districts. At least 500,000 looms operate in Sadar, Belkuchi, Enayetpur, Shahjadpur, Ullapara and Chauhali upazilas, producing Jamdani, Katan, cotton Katan, silk Jamdani, Benarasi sarees, lungis, three-piece dresses, gamchas and other products.

The industry directly employs around 500,000 people, while another 600,000 are indirectly involved, according to industry insiders. The district produces handloom products worth around Tk 1,500 crore a year and around 700 million metres of fabric.

The industry has been declared a brand of the district and named “Tantkunj Sirajganj”.

Once known for the rhythmic sound of handlooms from dawn, the industry has increasingly adopted modern machinery. Powerlooms are now used in many factories to increase production.

However, frequent power outages are disrupting production. Industry owners said factories are remaining shut for three to four hours a day because of load-shedding.

Haji Belal Hossain, President of the Belkuchi Handloom Board Association, said handloom owners were already facing various problems.

“Factories are remaining closed for at least three to four hours a day due to frequent load-shedding. Both owners and workers are suffering as a result,” he said.

Hafiz Uddin, a handloom worker in Shernagar Village of Belkuchi, said the power crisis had been particularly troublesome for the past 15 days.

“Our work has decreased because of the power cuts, and so has our income. How will we run our families if our earnings continue to fall?” he said.

Sri Baidya Nath Roy, former general secretary of the Bangladesh Powerloom and Handloom Owners Association, said prolonged load-shedding could cause serious financial losses for handloom owners.

“Many owners have taken advance payments from companies and businessmen against orders. But factories are remaining closed for three to four hours a day due to power outages. Production is falling, making it difficult to supply the ordered products on time,” he said.

Enamul Haque, a handloom worker in Chhatianatali Village of Sirajganj Sadar, said workers were paid according to their daily production.

“When the factory remains closed for three or four hours, our production falls and so does our wage. If this continues, it will become difficult to support our families,” he said.

Meanwhile, rising prices of raw materials are adding to the industry’s woes.

Shamim Uddin, a handloom owner in Kashiahata Village, said the prices of yarn, dyes and other materials had increased sharply.

“The price of 100 pounds of 50-count locally produced yarn was Tk 5,000-Tk 6,000 five or six years ago. Now it is Tk 21,000,” he said.

He said polyester used for designing fabrics had risen from Tk 70-Tk 80 per pound around five years ago to Tk 140.

Haji Badiuzzaman, President of the Sirajganj Handloom Owners Association and Joint General Secretary of the Central Bangladesh Handloom and Powerloom Owners Association, said the industry was becoming increasingly sick.

“Prices of yarn, dyes and other materials are rising regularly, but the prices of finished fabrics are not increasing accordingly. Many weavers are being forced to shut their looms as they cannot survive,” he said.

Haji Abdus Sattar,  Director of the Sirajganj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the district’s economy was closely linked to the handloom industry.

“The weavers have kept the industry alive through their own hard work, and the sector contributes to the national economy. But they are not receiving adequate support,” he said.

He urged the government to provide loans to handloom owners, subsidise yarn and dyes, regulate the yarn market and create better markets for handloom products.

“Only then can the handloom industry prosper,” he said.