For, the overall export performance of the cotton handloom sector during the period April-June 2000 has declined to $96.25 million, against $106.27 million during the corresponding period of the previous year. This is about 14.8 per cent of the target of $650 million fixed by the ministry of textiles for the sector for the year 2000-01.

In absolute terms, exports are down by about 6.7 per cent from Rs 455.65 crore to Rs 427.06 crore. Figures released by the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) show a substantial reduction in the overall quantity and value of exports made in both the fabrics and madeups category during April-June 2000.

In the case of madeups, which is a major contributor in the cotton handloom industry, the quantity of exports has gone down to 20,806 kgs from 22,442 kgs. During the period under consideration, the amount realised under the madeups category is about Rs 383.26 crore ($86.38 million) which is about 6.5 per cent less when compared to Rs 409.72 crore ($95.56 million) made during the same period of 1999-2000. These madeup items include floor coverings, bedlinen, table linen, towels and dish cloth.

Fabrics which account for nearly 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the entire value of exports under the handloom sector also has experienced a decline in the quantity exported during April-June this year. It has come down to 7,510 square metres from 11,326 square metres. Under this category the amount realised is about Rs 43.79 crore ($9.87 million), against Rs 45.93 crore ($ 10.712 million) in April-June 1999.