The Andhra Pradesh government will continue its support to both handlooms as well as power looms for which it has sanctioned Rs70 crore to setup a mega cluster for comprehensive development of handlooms in Guntur and Prakasam districts.

At the inauguration of the National Handlooms Expo, state’s textile and handlooms minister, Kollu Ravindra reminded that chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu had already waived Rs 110 crore worth loans to weavers in spite of the state being in financial crisis.

He said the government has released Rs 5.33 crore for 20 percent subsidy on purchasing yarn, colors and chemicals for 171 handloom cooperative societies. Further, Rs4 crore has been sanctioned for ‘PavalaVaddi’ loans to 166 handloom cooperative societies through APCOB.

The government has also been providing power at 50 percent subsidy to power looms and till date Rs7.02 crore has been paid to power utilities.

Till date, government has also facilitated 15 district level handloom expos, five special handloom expos and two national-level exhibitions including the current one. Such exhibitions provide an opportunity for the weavers to expand their market and sell their products. The National Handlooms expo will continue till January.