Lucknow’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the weavers of Uttar Pradesh, hailing them as the backbone of the state’s cultural heritage and economic strength. Speaking at a high-level review meeting of the Handloom Department, he emphasized that ensuring stable income, dignity, and livelihoods for these artisans tops the priority list.
Weavers today grapple with escalating raw material costs, outdated designs, lack of modern technology, and restricted market access. CM Yogi stressed that mere welfare schemes won’t suffice; a robust, integrated ecosystem is essential. He directed officials to formulate a results-oriented, cluster-based action plan to tackle these issues head-on.
Uttar Pradesh boasts nearly 1.99 lakh active weavers, ranking sixth nationally in handloom production. The state leads in carpets, durries, and mats, with a strong presence in bedsheets, furnishings, and blankets. In 2024-25, India’s total handloom exports reached Rs 1178.93 crore, with UP contributing Rs 109.40 crore—about 9.27% of the pie.
To boost efficiency, the CM instructed identifying weaver-dense areas for cluster development, integrating production, quality control, and marketing. These clusters must evolve into full value chains, encompassing design, branding, packaging, and market linkages under one umbrella.
Discussions covered cluster selection, baseline surveys, detailed project reports, implementation, and monitoring. Yogi Adityanath advocated organizing small groups of weavers into registered units for collective production and sales, equipping them with modern tools, training, and skills to enhance product competitiveness.
Focusing on design and marketing, he called for ‘designer-cum-marketing executives’ and institutions like design houses, sourcing agencies, and export houses. Digital platforms, e-commerce, and branding will connect weavers directly to consumers, promising higher incomes and quality upgrades.
Addressing powerloom weavers’ high electricity bills, the CM urged collaborative action between the Handloom Department and power corporations, promoting solar energy for long-term cost relief. Uttar Pradesh’s weaving community, he noted, is pivotal to the state’s traditions and economy. A balanced, transparent policy will deliver real relief, industry momentum, and a solid foundation for this craft.