Hyderabad: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy highlighted the central government’s efforts to advance the textile industry under Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The strategy focuses on moving from farm production to fibers, fabric creation, fashion, and reaching foreign markets.
Speaking at the start of a week-long celebration for National Handloom Day, he noted the handloom sector’s steady growth over the past 11 years. This sector now makes up 2.3% of India’s GDP, contributing 13% to industrial production and 12% to exports. This growth has positioned India as the sixth-largest exporter of handloom and textiles, with exports hitting Rs. 3 lakh crore for the 2023-24 period.
The government aims to boost this to Rs. 9 lakh crore by 2030, supported by the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. Kishan Reddy stressed the handloom and textile industry’s importance to India’s economy, as it provides jobs to millions and enhances foreign exchange reserves. With about 5 crore people employed directly and indirectly, it’s the largest job provider after agriculture.
Through the National Handloom Development Project (NHDP), the government helps weavers by offering marketing opportunities abroad and building essential infrastructure. Weavers also receive subsidized loans. Additionally, the government offers a monthly pension of Rs. 8,000 to award-winning weavers and scholarships of Rs. 2 lakh per year for their children’s higher education in textiles. Efforts are also made to help weavers participate in exhibitions globally. Around 20 handloom artisans from Telangana showcased their work in countries like Australia, Germany, Italy, and the United States, gaining insights into global markets.
Telangana is becoming a major hub for handlooms, with over 17,000 weavers and about 48,000 associated workers. Their expertise is displayed in products like Pochampally Ikat, Gadwal sarees, Narayanapet cotton sarees, Siddipet Gollabhama sarees, Telia Rumal, and Warangal carpets, all holding Geographical Indication (GI) tags and earning international fame.
Kishan Reddy praised the achievements of Telangana’s weavers, noting their global impact. Prime Minister Modi supports their progress by encouraging them. The Secunderabad MP also mentioned plans for seven PM-MITRA parks nationwide, with one in Telangana. The Kakatiya Mega Textile Park in Warangal is expected to draw investments over Rs. 10,000 crore and create jobs for 2 lakh people directly and indirectly.
Thanks to Modi’s initiatives, 100 electronic jacquards have been distributed, and 31 handloom producer companies have started in Telangana. The government is reviving the production of Himru fabric, Pithambari sarees, and Armoor silk sarees. Clusters in Siddipet, Kamalapur, Dubbaka, and Warangal are being developed, and over 900 weavers have received training under the Samarth Skill Training Program.
“We are helping weavers adopt modern techniques,” the Minister said. Mudra loans of Rs 70 crore have been provided to establish handlooms. Modi is committed to enhancing the handloom sector in every way possible. Kishan Reddy encouraged everyone to support the handloom industry, saying it will help preserve culture and inspire weavers to take pride in the nation.
