Ministry of Textiles engages experts to survey Uppada Jamdani saree weaving, aims to support handloom weavers in Andhra Pradesh

The Ministry of Textiles has engaged experts from the South Zone Weavers’ Service Centre (WSC), Chennai, to conduct a fresh survey on the condition of Uppada Jamdani saree weaving and the socio-economic status of handloom weavers on the Uppada coast in Kakinada district.

The Uppada Jamdani technique, registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in 2009, restricts production to the Uppada region. Noted for its double-sided motifs, the craft relies on the dexterity of young girls, whose sharp eyesight enables precise movement of yarn across warp and weft.

In a release, Kakinada MP Tangella Uday Srinivas said: “Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh has been briefed about the Uppada Jamdani craft. He has directed WSC-Chennai to assess the challenges faced by the weavers and other stakeholders.”

Design & Development Focus

“The State has proposed ₹12 crore assistance under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), with ₹3 crore in matching funds. Mr. Giriraj Singh has assured support from the Centre after the WSC submits its report,” said Mr. Uday Srinivas.

NHDP (2022–26) aims to strengthen the handloom sector through design innovation, raw material subsidies, and better market access. In Uppada, nearly 80% of weavers are women from the fishing community. Many traditional weavers have shifted roles to become master weavers, investing in Jamdani saree production.

Cooperative Collapse

The lone handloom cooperative in Uppada has halted saree production, citing a lack of active weavers. By 2022, only one weaver remained with the society.

Currently, no Jamdani saree designer resides within the GI region, forcing master weavers to depend on local fisherfolk for motifs. The craft was earlier revived in the late 1980s by WSC-Vijayawada. “Over 700 people involved in weaving will benefit if the Centre extends NHDP aid,” said Mr. Uday Srinivas. The future of the craft and its artisan community now hinges on the WSC’s recommendations.

From 2019 to 2024, the Andhra Pradesh government provided ₹24,000 annually to each handloom family operating a loom.