■  Integrated commercial complexes to bring APCO, Lepakshi, GCC and Araku Coffee under one roof in major cities

■ First phase to cover five cities—Delhi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati, with three centres in Andhra Pradesh.

■ One-stop destination aimed at boosting sales, visibility and market access for weavers, artisans and tribal producers.

■ 22-day Handloom & Handicrafts Exhibition planned in Tirupati from Dec 20–Jan 10 to tap festive footfall.

■ Lepakshi Week (Dec 8–14) to be celebrated nationwide with special events showcasing AP’s arts and crafts.

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh is set to establish integrated commercial complexes that will house APCO, Lepakshi, GCC, and Araku Coffee products under one roof, State Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savita announced on Friday. The initiative aims to give a significant boost to handloom weavers, artisans, and tribal producers by creating consolidated market spaces in major cities.

Minister Savitha said these commercial hubs will be launched in the first phase across five major cities in the country, Delhi, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Tirupati. As part of the plan, three centres will be set up within Andhra Pradesh. She said the move is in line with the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who directed the department to ensure that all traditional and tribal products are made available in a single, easily accessible location.

The minister held a review meeting on Friday, attended by AP Handlooms and Handicrafts Honorary Advisor Suchitra Ella, Principal Secretary R.P. Sisodia, Commissioner Rekha Rani, and Lepakshi MD Vishwa.

Savitha emphasised that the coalition government is committed to providing economic stability and sustainable livelihoods for weavers, artisans, and tribal communities. She said the proposed commercial hubs will allow consumers to purchase handloom, handicraft, tribal and Araku Coffee products all at one destination, helping increase visibility and sales for local producers.

Coinciding with the upcoming Mukkoti Ekadashi, the government will organise a 22-day Handloom and Handicrafts Exhibition in Tirupati from December 20 to January 10. Minister Savitha said similar exhibitions held recently in Vijayawada, Guntur and Rajamahendravaram received an overwhelming response from the public.

With lakhs of devotees expected to visit Tirupati during the festive season, the minister instructed officials to begin arrangements immediately to ensure a large-scale, well-coordinated exhibition.

Minister Savitha also announced that Lepakshi Week will be celebrated across the country from December 8 to 14. In Andhra Pradesh, special events will be organised to showcase the state’s unique arts and crafts. She said she will participate in the celebrations scheduled on December 11 in Kadapa.