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NILPHAMARI, Mar 11: The loom-owners and weavers of Saidpur Benarashi sari have urged the government to establish an exclusive Benarashi Polli in the area immediately for the survival of the promising sector.
They also demanded interest-free or low-interest bank loans for the greater interest of the community as well as the country.
At first, one Shahabuddin started weaving Benarashi sari at Hawladar Para village in Saidpur in 1991. Later on some other looms were set up in Kazir Haat, Old Babu Para, New Babu Para, Banshbari and Golahaat areas.
At present, there are about 200 looms in those areas. About 1000 people are employed in the sector including weaving, paintings, dyeing, and marketing.
But now Benarashi industry at Saidpur is facing a hard time. About 50 per cent looms have already become inoperative due to lack of patronisation.
When asked, President of the Tanti Kalyan Samity of Saidpur Nizam Uddin told the FE that if the government established an exclusive Benarashi Polli at Saidpur it would be able to make the country self-sufficient in the sector.
He said there is a great demand of Benarashi sari in India. "We can export this item and earn huge foreign exchange as well," he added.
At present, the loom-owners are facing acute fund crisis, he said, adding if bank loans are provided at low interest rates, the industry would grow to a great extent.
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