The story
Handloom weaving in Kannur was organised by the Basel Mission in the nineteenth century, which introduced the fly-shuttle loom and khaki cloth. Kannur's weavers later specialised in furnishing fabrics and made-ups for export, through cooperatives and private firms. The Kanhirode Weavers' Co-operative Society became a model for export-oriented handloom cooperatives. Cannanore home furnishings hold a GI tag.
In numbers
The Kanhirode Weavers' Co-operative Society, founded in 1952 about 13 km east of Kannur, makes furnishing fabrics and made-ups for domestic and export markets and was the first ISO 9001-2000 certified primary handloom cooperative in Kerala.
Kanhirode Weavers, Kannur — Kerala TourismCannanore Home Furnishings is a registered GI (application 144, certificate 117).
GI Registry — Cannanore Home Furnishings, application 144An Offset Printers Cluster and a Wood Cluster, Taliparamba in Kannur are listed as completed MSE-CDP common facility centres.
Completed Common Facility Centres under MSE-CDP (as on 22 Mar 2024), Office of DC-MSME · 2024
GI tag
- Cannanore Home FurnishingsApplication no. GI Application No. 144 (Certificate No. 117)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 144
Ways in for a newcomer
- Export made-ups through cooperatives and private exporters
- Online home-décor brand using Kannur handloom
- Dyeing, finishing and stitching job-work
- Design and sampling services for buyers
Problems the cluster faces
- Competition from powerloom and mill-made furnishings
- Ageing weavers and low wages
- Export order swings
- Yarn cost increases
Businesses to start here
Textile Made-Ups (Napkins, Mats, Aprons) →Curtain Making →Bed Linen Stitching Unit (Bed Sheets and Pillow Covers) →Home Furnishing Stitching Unit →