A STUDY ON PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PATTAMADAI HANDLOOM MAT WEAVING INDUSTRY IN TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT OF TAMILNADU

The handloom sector plays an important role in the economic development of the rural poor in the state. It contributes significantly by generating more employment opportunities and providing bread to the rural poor. At present study of Handloom mat weavers in Tirunelveli District is at stake and the weavers are panic stricken with miseries since they are facing acute production and marketing problems. The main aim of the study is to know the socio–economic conditions of handloom mat weavers in Pattamadai, Tirunelveli district, identify the problems of handloom mat weavers. The study is empirical nature, which includes both primary source and secondary source. Secondary data required for the study have been collected from the government agencies, journals, books, magazines and websites. Primary data was collected through a well-structured interview schedule. In this study, the researcher used proportionate random sampling method. The total sample respondents for the study were 60. They are 20 independent weavers, 20 weavers working under middlemen and 20 co-operative society weavers have been covered in the study. Statistical tools such as percentages, ANOVA and factor analysis have been used for analysis in the study. It is found that shortage of labour and unskilled labours are the major problems faced by the handloom mat weavers