Bhagalpur cluster silk output next only to Karnataka

28 Jun '10

2 min read

Bhagalpur is a divisional town of historical importance situated on the southern bank of the Ganga river. The Bhagalpur handloom weaver's history traces back to over 100 years. It was a family tradition among the lower income group of people to take up the weaving job.

There are about approximately 70,000 handloom weavers in Bhagalpur handloom cluster. The major products produced here are Silk Dress material, Sarees, Salwar Suits, Dupattas, Kurta- Pyjamas, Cushion Covers, Bed Sheets, Shawls, Scarves, Curtains, Throws, Table Covers, and Napkins & Runners.

The total value of trade from Bhagalpur cluster is around Rs 100 crore annually. 50 percent of the turnover is from the domestic market and the balance 50 percent is from export market. The Bhagalpur cluster is the second highest in silk fabric production and exports, after Karnataka.

Bhagalpur silk home furnishing made ups are gradually becoming popular in the domestic as well as overseas markets as well.

In Bhagalpur the weavers service centre (GOI) was established in the year 1974 with a view to developing handloom silk industry in the state of Bihar. There has been partially successful in providing training to weavers and in the area of designing, printing and dyeing.

The production of handloom tassar silk in the form of fabric is 200 metric tons annually. 50 percent of the silk tassar fabric is being exported and the balance 50 percent of the fabric is converted into Sarees and other dress materials.

The Bhagalpur handloom cluster has some very good inherent opportunities like; very good export potential for home furnishing value added made ups in the selected overseas countries, brand building for handloom silk value added products in the domestic and international market.

Other opportunities include product diversification like that of home furnishing value added made ups and it has access to a very large Indian market for branded silk products due to the present high growth of retail sales in India.

Click here to learn about Indian Handloom Clusters.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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