TTD places first-ever order with APCO

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a major development aimed at strengthening Andhra Pradesh’s handloom sector, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has placed its first-ever order with the Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO), marking a major milestone in providing sustained employment opportunities to traditional weavers across the state.

The agreement, hailed as a major step toward ensuring year-round livelihoods for handloom workers, will see APCO supply kanduvās, shawls, cotton uppers, and cotton blouses distributed to devotees visiting Tirumala as part of traditional Vedic blessings. The order was formally issued by TTD’s marketing wing, making it the first such collaboration in APCO’s 51-year history.

Under the initial phase, APCO will supply 3,000 kanduvās, 5,000 shawls, 90,000 cotton uppers, and 75,000 cotton blouses to TTD. Officials specified that the garments will carry the inscription “Om Namo Venkatesaya” in Telugu and Sanskrit, maintaining religious and cultural significance.

Traditionally, these ceremonial garments distributed during Vedic blessings to visiting devotees and dignitaries were sourced from Tamil Nadu’s Co-optex. However, following efforts by the state government to promote local handloom artisans, the responsibility has now been entrusted to APCO, a move expected to generate substantial employment for Andhra Pradesh’s weaving community.

Thousands of devotees visit Tirumala daily, including prominent personalities who receive Vedic blessings along with prasadam, sacred cloth offerings, and devotional memorabilia. The new arrangement is expected to create consistent production demand, thereby supporting the government’s objective of providing 365 days of employment to handloom workers.

State Handlooms and Textiles Minister Savitha welcomed the development, describing the TTD order as a divine blessing for the weaving community. She said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision is to ensure sustainable livelihoods and economic security for weavers through institutional partnerships and market expansion.

The Minister thanked the TTD Board and Chairman B.R. Naidu for supporting local artisans and acknowledged the efforts of departmental officials who facilitated the agreement. Handloom associations across the state have welcomed the move, stating that the order would significantly enhance employment prospects and strengthen the traditional weaving sector.

Blurb: Under the initial phase, APCO will supply 3,000 kanduvās, 5,000 shawls, 90,000 cotton uppers, and 75,000 cotton blouses to TTD