Telangana handloom sector gets renewed support to strengthen weaver livelihoods
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Telangana handloom sector, with Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy assuring full support for weavers and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the industry.
Speaking at the “Thread Pochampally” exhibition at HITEX on Saturday, the Minister said the handloom sector played a crucial role in providing employment and empowering women. He stressed that no weaver should be forced to leave the profession because of economic hardships.
Uttam Kumar Reddy praised the creativity and dedication of weavers and artisans. He described the exhibition as a tribute to thousands of weaving families whose craftsmanship had earned Pochampally international recognition.
The Minister congratulated organisers, designers and artisans for making the event successful. He noted that more than 100 stalls were displaying authentic Pochampally sarees, fabrics and contemporary handloom products.
Telangana handloom sector focuses on market expansion
The exhibition featured live weaving demonstrations, allowing visitors to observe the traditional Ikat tie-and-dye process and interact directly with weavers.
Highlighting government initiatives, Uttam Kumar Reddy said efforts were underway to improve market access through direct marketing channels, exhibitions and e-commerce platforms. These measures, he said, would help ensure that a larger share of the benefits reached artisans directly.
The Minister also emphasised the need for innovation within the Telangana handloom sector. He called for stronger collaborations between weavers, designers and educational institutions to develop products that appeal to younger consumers and international markets.
According to him, such partnerships would help preserve traditional skills while adapting to changing consumer preferences.
Telangana handloom sector eyes global competitiveness
Uttam Kumar Reddy underlined the importance of digital connectivity in expanding the reach of handloom products. He said branding initiatives and online platforms could help take Pochampally products to customers across the world.
The Minister also stressed the need to equip the next generation of weavers with skills in design, entrepreneurship and digital commerce. He said such training would help secure the future of weaving communities and strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.
He added that the government’s objective was to transform handlooms into a globally competitive creative economy while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for weaving families.
Urging consumers to support local artisans, Uttam Kumar Reddy appealed to people to purchase authentic handloom products. He said such support would help sustain weaver families and preserve Telangana’s rich cultural heritage.