The Indian textile industry is poised for significant growth, with the Central Government pledging its support to uplift the lives of weavers and revitalise the handloom sector. In a recent meeting with Andhra Pradesh officials, Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, emphasized a multi-pronged approach to empower weavers.
Key initiatives discussed included:
- Market Access and Fair Pricing: Expanding market networks for handloom products will ensure weavers receive fair and remunerative prices for their creations.
- Skill Development and Social Upliftment: The government is committed to addressing the educational and healthcare needs of the weaving community, ensuring a skilled and healthy workforce.
- Protecting Handlooms from Power Looms: Recognizing the unique value of handwoven textiles, the government will prioritise and protect the handloom sector from the competition of power looms.
Andhra Pradesh presented a comprehensive roadmap for textile sector development, highlighting initiatives to:
- Boost Cotton Production: Increase cotton yield and improve storage facilities to support the domestic textile industry.
- Enhance Jute Production: Improve the quality and market competitiveness of Jute products.
- Develop Textile Infrastructure: Secure funding for the establishment of mini textile clusters in key regions, including Chirala, Mangalagiri, Venkatagiri, Mylavaram, and Yemmiganur.
- Create Mega Handloom Clusters: Establish state-of-the-art mega handloom clusters in Dharmavaram and Pithapuram, providing weavers with modern infrastructure and enhanced production capabilities.
- Invest in Modernization: Fund the construction of individual looms and workshops in Penugonda to modernise production processes.
- Promote Heritage and Tourism: Establish a Handloom and Handicrafts Museum in Tullur mandal to showcase the rich heritage of Indian textiles and attract tourism.
- Develop a Mega Textiles Park: Secure funding for a 1,000-acre mega textiles park under the PM-MITRA scheme, creating a hub for textile manufacturing and innovation.
This collaboration between the Centre and Andhra Pradesh signifies a strong commitment to revitalising the Indian textile industry. By focusing on market access, skill development, infrastructure development, and heritage preservation, the government aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of the handloom sector, empowering weavers and contributing to India’s economic growth.
