Govt to open international showrooms for Lepakshi handicrafts, says minister

Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, S. Savitha, on Saturday announced that the state government is gearing up to launch overseas showrooms for the Lepakshi handicrafts brand as part of a larger strategy to promote Andhra Pradesh’s handloom industry and handicrafts globally.

At a press conference at the secretariat, the minister highlighted the achievements of the coalition government over the past two years and outlined several initiatives aimed at improving the livelihood of weavers and artisans.

Ms. Savitha said the primary objective was to ensure a dignified and financially secure life for handloom weavers and artisans. She announced that the ‘Nethanna Bharosa’ welfare scheme would be launched soon and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revive the traditional handloom sector. To promote skill development and innovation in the textile industry, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus has been designed on 10 acres at Shakamur in Amaravati, she said.

The Minister said that the State’s Textiles, Garments and Garments Policy for 2024-29 aimed to attract ₹10,000 crore worth of investment and create employment for over 2 million people. She noted that the five textile sector agreements signed during the CII summit in Visakhapatnam have resulted in investment commitments of ₹ 4,700 crore, while land and infrastructure support has already been provided for several projects.

Highlighting the welfare measures, Miniser said that free electricity has been provided to 50,565 families of handloom weavers since April 1 this year. Under this scheme, handloom units will receive 200 free power units and power loom units will receive 500 units, benefiting thousands of weavers and reducing production costs. She said the government spends around ₹150 crore annually on this initiative.

Clusters of handlooms have been established across the state to generate sustainable employment, including the Mega Handloom Cluster at Dharmavaram and Handloom Parks at Uppada and Mangalagiri. A museum of handlooms and crafts was also planned at Amaravati.

Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO) has been modernizing its operations through digitization and has recorded sales of ₹ 190 crore in the last 24 months and opened new showrooms at Puttaparthi, Emmiganur, Proddatur, Tekkali and Anakapalle, she informed.

The minister also highlighted support to artisans and noted that 2.05 lakh artisans have been identified across the state. Through the Khadi and Village Industries Board and PMEGP schemes, the government has also created extensive employment opportunities for youth, women and rural entrepreneurs across Andhra Pradesh., she added.

State Handlooms and Textiles Department Principal Secretary RP Sisodia, Director General Khadi and Village Industries Board, Simhachalam, Commissioner Rekha Rani, Managing Director Lepakshi Viswa and others were present.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 23:05 IST