Livelihood Sustainability of Handloom Weavers in Manipur: The Prospect and Challenges

Author : Dr. A JOLLY DEVI

Abstract : Handloom is the source of livelihood to several million of artisans and their families. Sustainability is the ability of individuals or communities to maintain and improve their means of livelihood. The main objective of this paper is to study the prospects and problems of livelihood sustainability of handloom weaver in Leimapokpam Village, Manipur, India. Leimapokpam Village in Manipur is known for Wangkhei Phee weaving in Manipur. The study is based on qualitative data, Data were collected from 100 respondentwangkheiphee weavers through convenient Sampling. The Study has used the sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) for the data collection. SLF is an approach which has gained acceptance, it is a tool for analysing the level of development and creating new initiatives for future growth. The questionnaire included both close and open-ended questions.The study shows the ability of individual weaver to maintain and improve their means of living. The cultural heritage of Manipur is also represented by handloom and handicraft items in textiles sector. Manipuri handlooms sari has its own unique place in the demand segment of sari in India. The locally specific handloom products namely Wangkhei Phee, Rani Phee, Mayek naibi, Khudei, Pheijom which are worn in rituals, festival, ceremonies, fashion show are in great demand and in fashion trend too. The handloom sector gives employment to the number of population and also contributes to the state economy. It was further observed that all the studied weavers relied on middle men for marketing their products. Wangkhei phee being a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag product can have more marketing prospects at the national and international level. Sari is a common Indian attire and have avenue in fashion and daily wear so wangkhei sari can boost the weaver’s livelihood better.

Keywords : Framework, Livelihood, Manipur, Sustainability, Wangkhei phee Weavers.

Conference Name : International Conference on Institutional Development, Business law and Social Science Research (ICIDBSSR-25)

Conference Place : Chennai,India

Conference Date : 15th Nov 2025