Abstract

The handloom industry is one of the most ancient cottage and big industries in Bangladesh. Handloom weaving industry plays important role for determining rural employment and income. The aim of the study is to examine the present status of handloom saree weavers, to analyze the cost-benefit of handloom weavers, and to study the major challenges faced by this sector in Kalihati Upazila of Tangail District. The study is mainly based on primary data, although secondary data are also used. I have collected data from 91 handloom weaving units in the study area using a structured questionnaire. I have analyzed data through tabular, mathematical and statistical techniques. The study finds that Tangail District has 3,290 handloom weaving units with 25,500 handlooms. Weaving is a family based business activity. The study reveals that almost all weavers were literate and 60.44% of them completed primary education in the study area. Majority of the respondents (59.34%) said that their sources of finances were personal savings. Majority of the weavers (74.73%) were semi-skilled. Total cost for weaving business in the study area was 193,232,000 Tk. per year. Net return was 20,712,000 Tk. per year. Benefit-cost ratios was 1.11. The cost-benefit analysis approach helps researcher to assess that the weaving business is profitable. But recently the handloom sector in the study area faces various challenges. This study also provides some recommendations for improving the condition of handloom sector by using systematic and modern technology. Keywords: Handloom, cost-benefit analysis

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