Project Overview
The Sagar Handloom Cluster was initiated to develop handloom weaving in Sagar taluk and surrounding areas of Shivamogga district, where weaving had limited presence as an organised livelihood activity. The project was implemented under the Integrated Handloom Development Cluster (IHDC) scheme with the objective of creating a structured production base and stable employment opportunities for artisans in the region.
Duration: The project was implemented over three financial years (2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12)
Institutional Anchor
The cluster was developed in and around Charaka Women’s Co-operative Society, which had successfully introduced handloom weaving in the Malnad region. The presence of an established, women-run cooperative provided the institutional foundation required for cluster development, including production coordination, skill support, and continuity beyond the project period.
Scope of the Intervention
The project aimed to establish:
- 150 active handlooms within the cluster
- Employment generation of 2–3 workers per loom, contributing to livelihood creation in the region
The intervention focused on developing handloom infrastructure and workforce capacity through a cluster-based approach rather than individual unit support.
Implementation Approach
A cluster development model was adopted, where:
- Loom installation, infrastructure creation, and workforce engagement were planned collectively
- Shared resources and skills were encouraged within the cluster
- Production was organised around an institutional framework to support continuity and coordination
By situating the cluster around an existing cooperative structure, the project enabled more effective implementation and monitoring.
Outcomes and Significance
The Sagar Handloom Cluster contributed to:
- Establishing organised handloom production in the Malnad region
- Creating sustained employment opportunities for artisans, including women
- Demonstrating the feasibility of cluster-based handloom development in non-traditional weaving regions
The project also provided practical experience and learnings that informed subsequent initiatives undertaken by Desi Trust and Charaka.