The TARA fabric is of superior quality with an even pick. This is so because it is woven on technically improved handlooms. In fact, it is no exaggeration to claim that the fabric quality is the best you can get in the market. Moreover, because of the loom quality, the productivity of the weavers is higher and he experiences less fatigue. TARA produces other following items : (i) furnishing and linen; (ii) dress materials/ready-mades and (iii) floor covering. The traditional khes-cum-bed covers enjoy the maximum sale. In winters the durries sell well. Kurtas/furnishings and dress materials sell through the year. TARA fabrics are sold at the TARA shop located in the Development Alternatives office, as well as at Dastkar, People Tree and the Nature Shop at WWF. The institutional buyers include exporters, private entrepreneurs and boutiques. All the fabrics are made by migrant traditional weavers at TARA centres in rural areas. In fact, the production of the fabric is related to Development Alternatives’ initial attempts to (i) involve women in development by enabling them to take up income generation programmes and (ii) develop an improved loom. The future plans involve: (a) the setting up of a shop that will sell TARA textiles/recycled paper and technologies (b) the production of handlooms of greater width, 108”, for the export market and (c) the introduction of a greater range of TARA durries including Punja durries -hand-woven durries to suit a particular range. The TARA durries are in considerable demand. The support of the sponsors and promoters has undeniably given a fillip to the process of production. SIDA sponsored DA’s pilot project at Mayan to upgrade technology (looms) and made raw materials (yarn, dyes) available. The focus of the CIDA project was broader. Looms, yarn and dyes were provided for Punja durries and materials for literacy, training as well as day-care facilities for children. The Rotary International sponsorship was for upgraded looms, yarn and dye equipment as well as for functional literacy and balwadi facilities. Oxfam India has sought to promote TARA products: it has obtained several samples of it to market through its channels in Europe. q |
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