Other
than agriculture K.V.Kuppam has traditionally depended on three basic
industries: handloom weaving, matchmaking and beedi rolling (a beedi
is a simple cheap cigarette).
Handloom weaving provided the cloth for the tailors in the village.
The development of machine weaving obviously affected the livelihood
of local weavers and tailors and had an impact on the local economy.
In 1984 a new industry, based on the weaving and tailoring skills in
the area, was set up as a result of the Bishopton-Kuppam friendship
link and a worker’s co-operative was established in 1985. This
Fair Trade partnership has grown to provide good working conditions
and fair wages for nearly 300 tailors, cutters, embroiderers, appliqué
workers and support staff working full time on the orders placed by
Bishopston Trading Company. In addition, since the rise of Self Help
Groups in 2006, the company is now able to source some handloom cotton
directly from 98 weavers in 6 Self Help Groups.
Since it started in 1977, the Rural Unit for Health and Social Affairs
(RUHSA) has also played its part in developing the local economy. In
recent years they have been supporting Women’s Self Help Groups
as a way of empowering women in the local community. Some groups have
failed but many have been successful and the women involved have gained
many new skills and increased standing in their villages.
K.V.Kuppam is a bustling rural community and many small industries and
trades are also to be found along the main road and surrounding areas.
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