Chirala cotton saris a hit abroad

 

Weavers in Chirala produce cotton saris and dress material worth Rs 100 crore every year. Of this, saris and dress material worth Rs 50 crore is exported to various countries. The quantum of exports has been increasing in the last two years. This year. exports are up by 15 per cent. 

The master weavers use superior quality of cotton yarn to weave saris and hence it is durable. 

 

“Women in Mumbai prefer handlooms produced here feel comfort and thus they extend support to weavers’ family. The traders purchase cotton sarees, dress material and chunnis from the weavers,” said K. Satyanarayana, a weaver. Exporters too are making profits. 

 

The ministry of textiles helps exporters conduct exhibitions in Jaipur, Delhi and other metros to boost marketing of cotton saris. The ministry also imparts training to weavers to upgrade their skills.

 

AP Weavers' Welfare Association general secretary Lakshmana Swamy said, “China and Pakistan give 30 per cent to 70 per cent subsidy on cotton yarn and extending a helping hand to the weavers whereas our government is supplying cotton yarn on 10 per cent subsidy. There is need to increase subsidy on yarn. If the government increases the subsidy on yarn, we can sell cotton saris and shirts and dress material cheaper in the international market, thus getting more foreign exchange.”