VIJAYAWADA: From struggling for survival to moving towards revival and expansion, the handloom sector in Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a major turnaround under the TDP-led NDA government's initiatives aimed at strengthening weavers' livelihoods, modernising production and expanding market access.
Through a combination of welfare schemes, infrastructure development, technology integration and marketing support, the state is attempting to restore confidence among thousands of weaving families across Andhra Pradesh.
The Chandrababu Naidu-led government has introduced a series of measures over the past two years to revive the traditional sector, which had been facing declining incomes, rising raw material costs and shrinking market opportunities. Officials said the focus is not only on welfare support but also on making handloom activity economically sustainable and globally competitive.
“With IT Minister Lokesh keenly tracking the welfare and development of handloom weavers, we have focused heavily on marketing and branding initiatives. APCO showrooms have expanded ready-made handloom garment sales, while online platforms are helping products reach customers directly at their doorsteps. Agreements with leading textile and retail organisations are expected to further improve sales opportunities for handloom products,” Special Chief Secretary (Textiles and Handlooms) RP Sisodia told TOI.
Officials attributed a major part of the renewed national attention on Mangalagiri handlooms to active promotion by IT Minister Nara Lokesh and his family. Handloom garments and Mangalagiri sarees are increasingly being showcased at public events and official meetings, helping attract younger consumers towards traditional fabrics.
Sisodia said the government is adopting a comprehensive strategy to transform the sector from a subsidy-dependent activity into a sustainable rural economic ecosystem.
“Handloom is not merely an occupation in Andhra Pradesh; it is part of our cultural identity and rural economy. The government is committed to protecting both the artisan and the art,” Sisodia said.
He noted that the state was integrating welfare, skill development, technology and market linkages to ensure long-term stability for weaving communities.
“Our objective is to ensure year-round employment, better incomes and global visibility for Andhra Pradesh handloom products,” he added.
One of the major relief measures introduced by the government is the free power scheme for weaving families. The state is now providing 200 units of free electricity to handloom weavers and 500 units to powerloom workers.
Around 1.04 lakh families are expected to benefit from the initiative, with the government spending nearly Rs 150 crore annually on the scheme. Officials said the free power initiative has significantly reduced production costs for weavers already burdened by rising raw material prices.
In addition, yarn is being supplied at a 15 per cent subsidy under the raw material assistance programme, while modern equipment is being provided with subsidies of up to 90 per cent.
The state has also strengthened handloom cooperative societies by extending cash credit support and clearing pending dues in phases. Since April 2024, financial assistance has reportedly been extended to more than 100 primary handloom cooperative societies.
In a bid to modernise the sector, the government has introduced a new textiles policy targeting investments worth Rs 10,000 crore and employment generation for more than 1.5 lakh people.
Mega textile parks, integrated clusters and infrastructure projects are being planned in key weaving centres including Dharmavaram, Mangalagiri, Hindupur, Rayadurgam and Emmiganur.
Sisodia said Andhra Pradesh is now positioning handloom not only as a welfare sector but also as a driver of employment, exports and rural entrepreneurship.
“With the right support systems, Andhra Pradesh handloom can emerge as a national model that combines tradition with modern market opportunities,” the Special Chief Secretary said.
