Woolen handloom sector of Uttarakhand: A case study on government initiatives

Uttarakhand is a key player in India's wool industry, generating a significant amount of wool used for making carpets, clothing, and various industrial items. The state's wool production acts as a bridge between its rural economy and the larger manufacturing sector. With its distinctive geography and climate, Uttarakhand provides a perfect environment for raising sheep, angora rabbits, and pashmina goats. In 2023, the state was the 11th largest wool producer in the country, contributing 1.33% of the total national output. Historically, woolen textiles have been a traditional craft of the Bhotia and Jaunsari tribes, who live in the region's hills. For these communities, raising sheep and creating woolen goods was their main source of livelihood. However, with globalization, Uttarakhand's traditional woolen textiles face stiff competition from modern, mass-produced goods. To safeguard this valuable heritage and support local artisans, the Government of Uttarakhand has implemented concrete measures. With this vision, they established the Uttarakhand Handloom & Handicraft Development Council (UHHDC) and the Uttarakhand Sheep and Wool Development Board (USWDB). Key initiatives include concessional credit, Integrated Development and promotion of Handicrafts, Block Level cluster approach, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, Integrated Livelihood Support Programme, risk management and insurance, sheep and wool improvement scheme and minimum fixation of the wool price. These efforts demonstrate Uttarakhand's commitment to preserving its rich woolen heritage while empowering the communities that sustain it.