Andhra Pradesh to launch new textile policy, establish handloom and textile parks

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Handlooms and Textiles S Savitha has announced the state will soon introduce a new textile policy to boost the sector. Responding to a query by TDP legislator B Jayanageswara Reddy during Question Hour on November 21, Savitha highlighted efforts to support weavers, including establishing textile parks.

Savitha revealed the TDP government had earmarked 90 acres in Yemmiganur for a textile park during the 2015 Independence Day celebrations. However, the park’s development stalled under the previous YSRCP government, with 14 acres diverted for housing projects. Legal interventions followed to protect the land. Savitha assured that the Yemmiganur park, expected to generate 5,000 jobs, would materialize.

She also announced plans for textile parks in Rayadurgam, Mylavaram, Pamidi, and a combined textile-handloom park in Chirala. The Central Government has approved $3.55 million to establish a large textile park in Dharmavaram. Additionally, tools for weavers will be provided with a 90 per cent subsidy to aid their welfare.

The initiatives, Savitha said, aim to revitalize the weaving industry, ensuring its growth and sustainability while addressing the community's long-standing concerns.