Thiruvanthampuram, July 31 (KNN) Handloom weavers’ groups in Kerala have appealed to the State government to prevent the sale of fake items under the guise of handloom products as the Onam sales season begins.

T.S. Baby, president of Paravur Handloom Cooperative said that powerloom products from within the State and outside were being sold in the market under handloom brands.

“Onam season was a peak season for the sale of traditional handwoven products. There is awareness among the people about the need to promote handloom items. However, unscrupulous elements were taking advantage of the situation to push their fake products in the market,” he said.

Sources in the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles said all genuine handloom products were to reach the market only with the Handloom Mark provided through the Central government, reported the Hindu.

The Handloom Mark Scheme was launched nearly two decades ago to brand handloom products and secure the products’ premium position in the market, both domestic and export.  (KNN Bureau)