In a decisive push for Uttar Pradesh’s handloom sector, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared weavers as more than tradition bearers—they are economic pillars demanding priority support for income, respect, and job security. During Thursday’s Handloom Department review in Lucknow, he outlined challenges like rising input costs, design gaps, tech deficits, and market barriers.
Solution lies in systemic overhaul, not isolated aid, he asserted, ordering a new cluster-focused strategy for tangible outcomes. The state hosts 1.99 lakh weavers, sixth in India, dominating carpets, durries, mats, and holding ground in bedsheets, furnishings, blankets. UP’s share in national handloom exports for 2024-25: Rs 109.40 crore out of Rs 1178.93 crore (9.27%).
Clusters in weaver hubs will unify production, standards, and sales into comprehensive value chains—from ideation to end-market delivery. The meeting delved into selection criteria, surveys, DPRs, execution, and oversight mechanisms.
CM Yogi envisioned clusters as hubs for registered cooperatives of limited weavers, infused with cutting-edge tech, machinery, and training to sharpen quality and edge in global markets. Strengthening design-market linkages via specialized executives and agencies will align products with consumer demands, unlocking bigger markets and earnings.
E-commerce, digital outreach, and branding are key to direct consumer ties. For powerloom units, slashing electricity costs through department-corporation synergy and solar adoption offers sustainable savings.
Yogi Adityanath underscored the weaving fraternity’s role in UP’s rich legacy, employment, and GDP. He mandated practical policies ensuring genuine benefits, sector revival, and enduring empowerment for this vital industry.
