In a recent development that has caused a stir in the Indian silk industry, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched the first Silk Processing Plant at Surendranagar in Gujarat. This significant move is expected to pave the way for lower production costs of silk yarn, thereby augmenting the sale and local availability of raw material essential for the creation of traditional Gujarati Patola sarees.
The Implication of Silk Processing Plant’s Establishment
Until now, the raw material, silk yarn, was procured from either Karnataka or West Bengal, where existing silk processing units are located. With the inauguration of the Silk Processing Plant at Surendranagar, this reliance on other states for raw materials will likely be reduced. The novel plant guarantees to streamline the production process, ultimately benefiting the indigenous Patola saree weavers.
Understanding the Craft of Patola Sarees
A quintessential part of Gujarat’s rich textile legacy, Patola is a double ikat woven sari, traditionally crafted from silk. Hailing from Patan region in Gujarat, India, Patola sarees are the product of a highly-guarded family tradition that requires meticulousness and time. Typically, it takes between six months and one year to fabricate a single saree due to the intricate dying process of each strand, prior to weaving them into a cohesive pattern.
While the standard weaving of Patola sarees is mostly concentrated in areas like Surat, Ahmedabad, and Patan, Surat houses the major production of unique velvet Patola styles. Recognising its cultural importance, the craft of Patola sarees was decorated with the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2013. Outside India, these sarees hold immense value in Indonesia, transcending geographical boundaries to find a proud place in their local weaving tradition.
Role of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment | Statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956 |
| Function | Responsible for planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programmes aimed at the development of Khadi and other village industries in rural areas. Coordinates with other rural development agencies when necessary. |
| Department Under | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
Brief on KVIC’s Operations
KVIC, a statutory body, was instituted under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956, and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The commission is entrusted with the responsibility of planning, promoting, organising, implementing, and managing programmes that are aimed at fostering the growth of Khadi and other village industries in India’s rural regions. This is accomplished by coordinating and collaborating with various other agencies committed to rural development, wherever necessary.
The recent inauguration of the Silk Processing Plant exemplifies KVIC’s dedication to the cause of boosting indigenous industries and empowering rural artisans across the country. Source: PIB
