In a significant move to promote indigenous products and support local artisans, the Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled ambitious plans to establish integrated commercial complexes across the country. These hubs will bring together the state's most cherished brands and products under one roof, creating a comprehensive marketplace for consumers and economic opportunities for producers.
Five Cities Selected for First Phase
Handlooms and Textiles Minister S Savitha announced that the initiative will roll out in two phases, with the first phase focusing on five major cities. Delhi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati have been identified as the initial locations for these integrated outlets. Within Andhra Pradesh, three cities—Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati—will host these comprehensive shopping destinations.
The minister revealed that the directive comes directly from Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who wants the department to create a robust platform ensuring economic security for weavers, artisans, and tribal communities. The vision is to establish unified commercial hubs that will showcase handloom, handicraft, and tribal products alongside the internationally acclaimed Araku Coffee.
Immediate Action and Upcoming Events
The announcement came during a review meeting chaired by Minister Savitha in Vijayawada. The meeting saw participation from key officials including AP Handlooms & Handicrafts advisor Suchitra Ella, special chief secretary RP Sisodia, commissioner Rekharani, Lepakshi MD Viswa M, and other senior department representatives.
Minister Savitha emphasized that detailed proposals must be prepared promptly for the complexes in all five identified cities. She stressed the importance of creating comprehensive plans that would effectively showcase APCO, Lepakshi, and GCC (Girijan Cooperative Corporation) products in an integrated manner.
Festive Season Boosts Handloom Promotion
Coinciding with the auspicious Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrations, the department will organize a 22-day handloom and handicrafts exhibition in Tirupati from December 20 to January 10. Minister Savitha noted that previous exhibitions in Vijayawada, Guntur, and Rajahmundry received excellent public response, encouraging the government to expand these initiatives.
Given the large influx of pilgrims expected during Mukkoti Ekadasi, officials have been instructed to begin arrangements immediately to ensure the exhibition's success. The timing is strategic, aiming to reach a wider audience while promoting local artisans during peak tourist season.
In another significant announcement, Savitha revealed that the nationwide Lepakshi festival week will be celebrated from December 8 to 14, with district-level events across the state. The minister confirmed her participation in the Lepakshi Utsav on December 11 in Kadapa and directed officials to ensure that state-level festivities are conducted on a grand scale.
This comprehensive approach—combining permanent commercial complexes with seasonal exhibitions and festival celebrations—represents the government's multi-pronged strategy to boost the handloom and handicraft sector while providing sustainable livelihoods to artisan communities across Andhra Pradesh.
