Vol. 3, Issue 7, Part O (2017)

Abstract
Handloom sector, predominantly non-farm activity is a rural traditional occupation of large segment of weaver populations. In agrarian Assam, this sector provides livelihood to a large section of rural population. It is one of the largest economic activities, after agriculture, providing wider avenue of income and direct and indirect employment. Thus, the village handloom weaving provides scope for self employment for rural folk. Different Tribal communities like Boro, Khasi, Rengma, Angami, Nishi, Adi, Kuki, Rava, Garo, Lalung, Sonowal Kachari, Mising, Chutia, Tipras, Hajangs, etc. of north-east India are also playing an important role in this regard. As a basic requirement of life and to indicate their culture among the societies, like other communities; Bodo tribe is also using the different colourful cloths made in their respective household weavings. Besides catering clothing needs to the community, handloom sector of Bodo community play a vital role in present market scenarios of the entire Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) as well as some Bodo dominated parts of the Assam state. The business cycle of Bodo weaving products are the great concern of the regions. In the present study, an effort has been made to trace the Bodo weavers' marketing practices, their socio-economic condition and problems faced by them in marketing of handloom products particularly in Udalguri District. The study is based on primary data, collected through field survey within the Udalguri district of Assam by direct questionnaire to the respondents. A few numbers of secondary data are also being used for the completion of the present work.