WITH an aim to support over 27 lakh handloom weavers, the government on Thursday approved a Rs 230-crore marketing and export promotion scheme for the sector that will be implemented over the next five years. “The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for implementation of a centrally sponsored scheme on marketing and export promotion during the 11th plan period (2007-12) with an outlay of Rs 230 crore,” finance minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the CCEA meeting. He said out of approved funds, Rs 205 crore have been earmarked for handloom marketing and the balance would be for export promotion. The marketing would include organising exhibition, events and craft melas, setting up urban haats, marketing complexes and publicity awareness. There would also be handloom marketing complex at Janpath in New Delhi. The handloom export promotion will include undertaking export projects, fairs and exhibitions, setting up of design studios. It will also assist weavers in product diversification and the development of exportable products. After rupee appreciation of around 12% this year, the export of handloom products have been badly affected