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  • Story

·

3 min read

Threads of Change: Dipali’s Jacquard Loom Story

Khunbari Village, Udalguri Block, Udalguri District, Assam
Handloom weaving
Women’s Entrepreneurship
Dipali Daimari at her Jacquard loom in Khunbari village.

For nearly two decades, Dipali Daimari wove Eri shawls and Dokhona by hand in Khunbari village. Without modern equipment, her production – and her income – stayed limited to around ₹40,000 a year.

  • The Challenge

Despite her skill and dedication, Dipali’s traditional weaving methods limited what she could produce. She lacked a Jacquard loom, warping drum, and punching machine – equipment that could have let her create more intricate designs and higher volumes. Her annual income before intervention stood at just ₹40,000.

  • The Turning Point

The DWIMU project identified Dipali as a suitable beneficiary and provided her with a Jacquard weaving machine and a warping drum. Alongside the equipment, she received hands-on training in Jacquard design, machine operation, and warping techniques, backed by continuous technical guidance and market linkage support.

Dipali at work on her new Jacquard loom.
  • The Change

With improved production capacity and the ability to create more intricate designs, Dipali’s annual income rose sharply from ₹40,000 to ₹4.53 lakh a year. The additional income has enhanced her family’s living standards and boosted her confidence, turning her from a traditional weaver into a successful entrepreneur with modern skills.

Outcomes at a glance
Annual income
₹4.53 lakh, up from ₹40,000
New equipment
Jacquard loom & warping drum
Expansion plan
4 more looms to be installed
New jobs
Employment planned for other women
Product range
Diversified beyond traditional garments
A finished Dipali original – hand-woven on her new Jacquard loom.
“A traditional weaver turned entrepreneur – now equipped with modern technology, advanced skills, and plans to grow further.”
  • Looking Ahead

Encouraged by her success, Dipali plans to install four more looms – creating jobs for other women – and continues to diversify her products and expand her market reach.

More stories from the field

Read how communities across the tribal belt are building new livelihoods.

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  • Story

·

4 min read

Fallow No More: Aghanmoti’s Rabi Harvest

Aghanmoti Rathia’s one acre used to lie fallow every Rabi season. This year it grew groundnut, sunflower, greens, and gourd.

Read the story
  • Story

·

4 min read

From Loss to Livelihood: Bimla’s Goat Enterprise

Bimla Rathia had given up goat rearing after disease wiped out her herd. Training and support rebuilt it into her family’s most reliable income.

Read the story
  • Story

·

4 min read

From Paddy to Profit: Ram Pyari’s Watermelon Story

Ram Pyari once earned about ₹23,040 a year growing paddy. Within one watermelon season, she nearly matched that in profit alone.

Read the story
  • Story

·

4 min read

Fallow No More: Aghanmoti’s Rabi Harvest

Aghanmoti Rathia’s one acre used to lie fallow every Rabi season. This year it grew groundnut, sunflower, greens, and gourd.

Read the story
  • Story

·

4 min read

From Loss to Livelihood: Bimla’s Goat Enterprise

Bimla Rathia had given up goat rearing after disease wiped out her herd. Training and support rebuilt it into her family’s most reliable income.

Read the story
  • Story

·

4 min read

From Paddy to Profit: Ram Pyari’s Watermelon Story

Ram Pyari once earned about ₹23,040 a year growing paddy. Within one watermelon season, she nearly matched that in profit alone.

Read the story
See all stories