Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerlooms Associations claims yarn delays threaten Pongal. distribution.

The Tamil Nadu Federation of Powerlooms Associations has raised concerns over the delayed supply of cotton yarn, which is hindering the production of dhotis and sarIs for the upcoming Pongal festival.

The state government had placed a significant order for 1.77 crore dhotis and 1.77 crore sarIs to be distributed through ration shops and to beneficiaries of the Old Age Pension Scheme. However, due to late issuance of the production order, the federation expects to complete only 50 per cent of the order by the end of December 2024.

While yarn supply has begun, it remains insufficient to meet the production deadline. The federation highlighted that despite receiving 50 per cent of their orders on time last October, they have barely completed 5 per cent of the current orders due to the lack of yarn.

If the yarn supply is not expedited, the federation warns that the full order may not be completed until the end of February 2025. This delay could potentially impact the government's plan to distribute the dhotis and saris during the Pongal festival.