Urmul Marusthali Bunkar Vikas Samiti (UMBVS), Phalodi, Rajasthan, is a not-for-profit organization established in 1989, for the welfare of weavers in the Great Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan. The weaving is being handled by a cluster of 50~60 weavers in 6 villages, namely Phalodi, Ranisar, Bhojasar, Bhiyasar, Karwar, Krishnanagar, near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The technique of the member weavers of UMBVS is unique and the skills required to weave in the pit-looms is generally mastered only by a few weavers, based on their experience. 

Due to lack of knowledge and awareness about innovative weaving techniques, churning out new designs in tune with market requirements, latest trends and designs, textures, patterns, colour combinations, etc. they find it difficult to provide a wide range of choices to buyers.  

To overcome this UMBVS with support from Indian Exim Bank, started a training programme, on ‘Product and Design Development in Handmade Fabrics’ for 10 experienced artisans for a period of 30 days.  This training programme will impart training to the weavers to improve their understanding of and become quality conscious about their products, in the larger context of enhancing the scope for income generation. As faculty designer, the training is being conducted by Ms Ritu Suri, a textile designer from National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT, New Delhi), having a rich experience in handmade textiles and fabrics.

Mr.SurjanramJaipal, Chief Executive, UMBVS, a Master weaver by himself, has been actively contributing in trying to keep this art alive and pass it on to the next generation.