Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Apr 9: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the handloom sector by focusing on improving weavers’ incomes, preserving their dignity, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
While reviewing the functioning of the Handloom Department, the chief minister highlighted that weavers are not only custodians of cultural heritage but also vital contributors to the state’s economic framework. He stressed that safeguarding their livelihoods remains a key priority.
Adityanath pointed out several pressing challenges faced by the sector, including increasing raw material costs, limited access to modern technology and design innovation, and restricted market opportunities. He emphasized that isolated schemes would not be sufficient to address these issues and called for a well-structured, result-driven approach centered on cluster-based development.
Officials at the meeting shared that nearly 1.99 lac weavers are currently engaged in the sector across the state, placing Uttar Pradesh sixth in the country. The state continues to hold a strong position in the production of carpets, durries, and mats, along with a significant share in bedsheets, furnishings, and blankets.
In terms of exports, India’s total handloom exports for 2024–25 were valued at Rs 1,178.93 crore, with Uttar Pradesh contributing Rs 109.40 crore—approximately 9.27% of the total.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to identify key weaver-dominated regions and develop integrated clusters that combine production, quality control, and marketing. These clusters, he said, should follow a value chain model encompassing design, branding, packaging, and improved market access.
Discussions during the meeting also covered cluster identification, baseline surveys, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and monitoring mechanisms. Adityanath recommended organizing weavers into registered groups within clusters to promote collective manufacturing and marketing, while ensuring access to advanced tools, modern technology, and skill enhancement programs.
He also stressed the importance of aligning products with market demands by strengthening the role of designer-cum-marketing professionals, design houses, and export agencies to enhance product quality and expand reach.
Highlighting the role of digital transformation, the Chief Minister encouraged greater adoption of e-commerce platforms and branding initiatives to enable direct engagement between weavers and consumers.
Addressing concerns raised by powerloom weavers, he instructed the Handloom Department and the Power Corporation to jointly develop a strategy to reduce electricity costs. He also advocated for the use of solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Reiterating the need for a balanced and transparent policy framework, Adityanath concluded that practical measures are essential to revitalize the handloom sector and secure the future of traditional weaving in Uttar Pradesh.
The meeting was attended by MSME, Khadi and Village Industries, Silk Industry, Handloom and Textile minister Rakesh Sachan.