Training Need Assessment of Weaving Community in Phulia, West Bengal, India: a Case Study

Abstract

An eminent traditional weaving activity centre Phulia of Nadia District is regarded as a renowned centre in the scenario of handloom and weaving industry in the state of West Bengal. Numerous artisans in various parts of this area and artisans from the other parts of the state are traditionally attached to this trade for centuries. Interventions from Government level at various stages of manufacturing have been an ongoing process at various weaving zones in West Bengal. Most of the weaving units of Phulia act as the site of dyeing and manufacturing of various handloom cotton and silk sarees and other allied products. Handloom development cooperatives at Phulia, involved in promoting the handloom units, have been extending their support in various fields through making scopes for training, product diversifications, marketing for the further development of traditional handloom industry. The actual training need assessment of the experienced traditional weavers of the area and decentralized training programme may substantiate the future prospect of the legendary industry. This paper attempts to assess the requirement of further training for the traditional weavers of Phulia for betterment of quality of their own products leading to profit maximisation.