GI Tag Gives Kuppadam Silk a Fresh Sheen, Sales Up by 30%
Weavers tell CM Naidu GI recognition has improved demand and livelihoods
Vijayawada: The Kuppadam silk sarees have gained a distinct identity after receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and sales are rising by around 30 per cent. This was stated by handloom families to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Chirala constituency on Friday.
The Chief Minister, who launched the Nethanna Sevalo programme at Kothapeta in the assembly segment to mark the 12th National Handloom Day, visited a handloom weaving unit. He interacted with artisans to understand their livelihoods, production costs, marketing challenges etc.
The weavers said the ‘one district-one product’ initiative enhanced the recognition of Kuppadam silk sarees. They also expressed their pride that the Kuppadam silk produced in Chirala and its outstanding craftsmanship received central government recognition last year.
Naidu spoke to Kanchi-border saree maker Batta Dhanunjay Rao and enquired about his family circumstances, weaving profession, production expenditure, income and marketing.
The weavers said the government’s provision of 200 units of free power had substantially reduced their burden and that the government’s Rs 25,000 financial assistance was, however, an encouragement.
Workshop owner Bandaru Balasubramanyam explained his plans to expand the building and install more looms to provide employment to additional weavers. The expansion, which had been stalled during the Covid-19 pandemic, would now be resumed, he said.
The Chief Minister also interacted with other artisans and watched woman weaver Boddu Aruna working on a loom. Several workers showed him mobile messages confirming that the `25,000 assistance had been credited to their bank accounts. They said government support had provided greater livelihood security.
Naidu also fulfilled the wish of 90-year-old Pushpavathi of Chirala, who had expressed on social media her desire to meet him and take a photograph with him. After learning about her wish, the CM had posted on X that he would meet her during his Chirala visit.
He personally greeted her and posed for a photograph, leaving the elderly woman visibly delighted.
