Andhra Pradesh announced decisive steps to elevate its handloom and handicrafts sectors onto the global stage, with the state government confirming plans to open international showrooms for the Lepakshi brand and several support measures aimed at improving the livelihoods of weavers and artisans.
International expansion for Lepakshi
Minister for Handlooms and Textiles S. Savitha told the press that the government is preparing to launch overseas showrooms for Lepakshi handicrafts. The move forms part of a broader strategy to position Andhra Pradesh’s traditional crafts in international markets, expand buyer reach, and boost export revenues. Officials said the showrooms will focus on curated collections that highlight regional weaving techniques, motifs and craftsmanship, and will operate with collaborative support from the State’s marketing and export teams.
Welfare measures to ensure dignified incomes
At the Secretariat press briefing, the Minister emphasized that the primary objective behind these initiatives is to ensure a dignified and financially secure life for handloom weavers and handicraft artisans. She reiterated the government’s commitment by announcing the imminent rollout of the “Nethanna Bharosa” welfare scheme, which aims to provide direct support to weaving families and reduce economic vulnerability while encouraging sustained engagement with traditional crafts.
Skill development and institutional support
To strengthen design and technical skills in the textile sector, the State proposed a National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus on a 10-acre plot at Shakamuru in Amaravati. The NIFT campus intends to provide advanced training, design innovation, and industry linkages to help artisans and textile entrepreneurs upgrade product lines, adapt to market trends and enhance value addition.
Investment and employment targets
The State’s Textiles, Apparel and Garments Policy 2024–29 remains central to the strategy to attract large-scale investment and create jobs. The policy targets investments of ₹10,000 crore and the generation of over 2 lakh jobs. Five textile-sector agreements signed during the CII Summit in Visakhapatnam have already brought commitments worth ₹4,700 crore. The government reported that land and infrastructure support for several projects are in progress, underlining a fast-tracked approach to realizing those investment pledges.
Energy relief to cut production costs
To directly lower production costs for weavers, the State began providing free electricity to eligible households from April 1 this year. Under the scheme, handloom households receive 200 free units and power loom units receive 500 units. The Minister reported that 50,565 handloom weaver families now benefit from the program and that the State spends around ₹150 crore annually to maintain the subsidy. Officials expect the relief to improve cash flow for small producers and reduce the pressure to abandon traditional practices for higher-paying non-farm work.
Cluster development and infrastructure
The Government highlighted efforts to build supply-chain and production infrastructure through the establishment of handloom clusters and parks. Notable projects include a Mega Handloom Cluster at Dharmavaram and handloom parks in Uppada and Mangalagiri, designed to consolidate production, facilitate shared services, and improve market-readiness. A planned Handloom and Handicrafts Museum in Amaravati aims to preserve craft histories and provide an experiential destination for tourists and buyers.
Modernising cooperatives and market outreach
The Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO) is undergoing digitisation to modernize operations and expand market access. Over the past two years, APCO recorded sales of ₹190 crore and opened new showrooms at Puttaparthi, Emmiganur, Proddatur, Tekkali and Anakapalle. Officials said further showroom rollouts—domestic and international—will follow a disciplined branding and inventory strategy to protect artisan margins while scaling visibility.
Supporting artisans and entrepreneurship
The Minister said the State has identified 2.05 lakh artisans and is deploying schemes through the Khadi and Village Industries Board and PMEGP to create employment opportunities for youth, women and rural entrepreneurs. Those programs aim to stimulate micro-enterprises, provide credit and technical support, and integrate artisans into formal value chains.
Leadership and next steps
Principal Secretary R.P. Sisodia, CEO of the Khadi and Village Industries Board Simhachalam, Commissioner Rekha Rani, Lepakshi Managing Director Viswa and other senior officials attended the briefing. The government plans to finalise locations and timelines for the international Lepakshi showrooms in consultation with export partners and craft clusters, and to formally launch the Nethanna Bharosa scheme in the coming weeks.
Highlights of the event
- Announcement of international Lepakshi showrooms to boost global market access.
- Imminent launch of “Nethanna Bharosa” welfare scheme for weavers.
- Proposed NIFT campus on 10 acres at Shakamuru, Amaravati.
- Textiles Policy 2024-29 targeting ₹10,000 crore investment and 2 lakh jobs.
- Free electricity scheme benefiting 50,565 handloom families; annual cost ₹150 crore.
- Mega Handloom Cluster at Dharmavaram; parks in Uppada and Mangalagiri.
- APCO digitisation, ₹190 crore sales in 24 months, new domestic showrooms.
- 2.05 lakh artisans identified; support via Khadi board and PMEGP.
- Planned Handloom and Handicrafts Museum in Amaravati.
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