The correct answer is: d) All of the above.
Kerala’s traditional handloom sector faces the challenge of competition from power looms, lack of skilled labor, and outdated technology.
Power looms are machines that can produce cloth much faster than handlooms. This has led to a decline in the demand for handloom products, as they are often more expensive than machine-made cloth.
The handloom sector also faces a shortage of skilled labor. Many young people are not interested in learning the traditional skills of handloom weaving, as they see it as a low-paying and insecure occupation.
Finally, the handloom sector is also hampered by outdated technology. Many handlooms are old and inefficient, and this makes it difficult for them to compete with power looms.
The government has taken some steps to address these challenges, such as providing subsidies to handloom weavers and setting up training centers. However, more needs to be done to support the traditional handloom sector.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option a: Competition from power looms: Power looms are machines that can produce cloth much faster than handlooms. This has led to a decline in the demand for handloom products, as they are often more expensive than machine-made cloth.
- Option b: Lack of skilled labor: Many young people are not interested in learning the traditional skills of handloom weaving, as they see it as a low-paying and insecure occupation.
- Option c: Outdated technology: Many handlooms are old and inefficient, and this makes it difficult for them to compete with power looms.