Handloom weaving practices plays an important role in the livelihood generation of the women weavers of Assam. The present study was conducted to find out the factors affecting handloom weaving practices among the women weavers of Lakhimpur District of Assam. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule. Handloom weaving practices were prevalent in different types of looms in the handloom industry. The involvement of the weavers in the handloom practices of Assam were mostly women and was found working from 2 years to above 15 years. The weavers weave almost all the products from traditional mekhela chaddar to furnishing materials. It was also found that the income of the weavers is an influencing factor for their involvement. The factors affecting the performance and productivity of the handloom products were due to the arising health-related issues among the weavers. Body pain was found very high among the weavers. Therefore, an improvement in the working environment, as well

as compatibility of the weaver and the loom, would help to mitigate the pain and discomfort among the weavers. This would further increase the productivity, performance and income of the weavers.

Highlights

• Commercial handloom practices in Assam are prevalent basically in the throw-shuttle looms and fly-shuttle handlooms using dobby and jacquard.
• The weavers are found to involve for more than 15 years in the handloom industry.
• Health-related issues are the factors affecting the handloom practices among the women weavers ultimately decreasing the productivity with absentees.