Grassroot Innovations

Kanni poduthal (combining the ends) is one of the manually done, labour intensive task in weaving, which consumes a lot of time. In order to eliminate the drudgery involved in this task, he developed a machine to mechanize the process. Sizing is done manually before weaving the threads in the handlooms at every 19 metre length. Sekar designed a machine to perform sizing at every 200 metres increasing the productivity 12 times by preparing 100 bunches per day. The machine is used for preparing short length warp of about 20 meters length, with proper lease, to enable for hand sizing before stretching on the loom for weaving. The conventional machine used to run on a 1 hp power motor while this machine runs on a ½ hp motor. Encouraging feedback has been received from Indian Institute of Handloom Technologies, Salem and over 100 families have adopted this machine in six villages.

The Multi Stripe Weaving Machine automates a tiring handloom task, boosting productivity by 12 times and reducing energy use. This innovation is improving lives of handloom weavers in India.