Silk weaving made faster by Assamese entrepreneur

24 May '10

2 min read

Dipak Bharali, an entrepreneur from Assam, is trying to change the traditional process of silk weaving by introducing new weaving equipment, which will help increase the productivity and income of the weaving sector.

Although, Sualkuchi is the richest silk pocket in the district Kamrup, Assam, but for eons, silk weavers have followed archaic methods of weaving.

Having commenced with his own weaving endeavour in 1998, Bharali has invented a device called, 'Extra Weft Insertion in Handloom for Frugal Handloom Design'. According to Bharali, this device will aid in raising the yield of traditional looms by three times.

Bharali has also received the President's State Award in 2009, for his device invention. With the introduction of this machine in the market, weaver's income will be three times than what they are earning now, that is almost Rs 6,000. Therefore, it will help the unemployed garner benefit out of this industry.

Currently, the traditional method of inserting weft threads to create various kinds of designs is done manually by tying knots, which is both tiring and unmanageable.

With the help of Bharali's device, the weft thread insertion time will reduce to one-third, the time otherwise required by traditional looms. With introduction of this faster-paced device, weavers will be able to earn more benefits and revenue, which will ultimately raise the country's economy as it will increase the productivity of looms by three times.

At present, Sualkuchi has about 8,000 handlooms. Bharali is confident that his device will increase productivity and therefore, generate improved income for the weavers.

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