Dhamtari Women Weavers Weave a Story of Self-Reliance

From Loom to Livelihood: Women Weavers of Dhamtari’s Nari Village Script a New Story of Self-Reliance
Government Support Boosts Production, Income and Confidence
Sambalpuri Sarees Give Women Weavers a Distinct Identity

Raipur, July 2026 : The Gramodaya Weavers’ Cooperative Society has emerged as a powerful instrument for empowering rural weavers, particularly women, by making them economically self-reliant. Through support in procuring raw materials, skill development, and marketing of finished products, the cooperative has helped eliminate middlemen, resulting in a significant increase in weavers’ incomes.

Backed by the Handloom Division of the Chhattisgarh Government’s Department of Village Industries, the Gramodaya Weavers’ Cooperative Society in Nari village of Dhamtari district has become an inspiring example of self-reliance, women’s empowerment, and the preservation of traditional handloom craftsmanship.

Building a Strong Presence in Odisha

With sustained government support and the dedication of its artisans, the cooperative has evolved into a reliable source of employment for local families. Beyond serving local markets, it has also established a strong presence in neighbouring Odisha, where its handwoven products have gained increasing recognition.

Sambalpuri Sarees Create a New Identity

Weaving was not traditionally the primary livelihood in Nari village. However, recognising the growing demand for Sambalpuri sarees in Odisha, the cooperative adopted the intricate weaving technique associated with these iconic handloom products.

Known for their distinctive Ikat patterns, vibrant colours, and superior craftsmanship, Sambalpuri sarees enjoy strong demand in domestic markets. The women of the village mastered this challenging art and successfully transformed a traditional skill into a sustainable source of income.

Government Support Strengthens Production

Under the Government Textile Production Programme, the Chhattisgarh government regularly supplies yarn to the cooperative. Financial assistance is also provided as service charges to ensure smooth operations.

In addition, the weavers receive advanced weaving training and modern handlooms, enabling them to improve productivity and manufacture high-quality fabrics that meet evolving market demands.

Monthly Turnover Touches ₹3–4 Lakh

The cooperative currently produces 300 to 400 Sambalpuri sarees every month, with most of the products being sold across various markets in Odisha.

As a result, the society’s monthly turnover has increased to ₹3 lakh to ₹4 lakh, reflecting the growing demand for its handcrafted products and the success of its business model.

Women Become Financially Independent

The initiative has had the greatest impact on the women of Nari village. Earlier, women engaged in government textile production earned around ₹300–350 per day. Today, their daily earnings have increased to ₹550–600, substantially improving their financial security.

Through continuous skill upgradation, the cooperative aims to raise daily earnings further to ₹1,000–1,200 in the coming years. Besides financial independence, the programme has also encouraged women to participate in collective decision-making, develop leadership skills, and gain greater confidence in managing their livelihoods.

A Model for Chhattisgarh’s Handloom Sector

The success of Nari village demonstrates how effective government policies, modern training, and community participation can transform rural economies.

Officials believe that with stronger branding, digital marketing, and access to wider domestic and international markets, the cooperative can play a significant role in giving Chhattisgarh’s handloom industry greater recognition at the national level while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for many more rural women.