AP CM asks APCO to collaborate with NIFT for designs

There is every need to enhance designing and marketing skills of handloom and APCO departments to help them compete in the global market, Naidu said while reviewing the performance of these departments at the Secretariat.

In view of APCO’s expected turnover of Rs 338 crore in 2017-18, Naidu fixed 2018-19 and 2019-20 turnover target at Rs 405 crore and Rs 486 crore respectively.

The chief minister stressed on the need to frame long and short term plans for strengthening and making APCO self-reliant. He suggested organising APCO exhibitions in other states, introduction of online booking for orders, and giving 25-30 per cent discount on sales during festivals.

He announced that the state government will enter into agreements with domestic and global firms for exporting APCO designed cloth.

He directed APCO officials to collect orders from the police, special battalions, navy, army and the air force for making their uniforms. He suggested that the officials should also reach out to other departments like transport, forest, medical, health, endowment, etc and collect orders from them. APCO can also supply uniforms to Indian Railways, public sector companies and training institutes.

Announcing that every Monday be marked as Handloom Day, he directed officials to ensure that handloom clothes are worn by all the employees of corporate companies and students of all educational institutions on Mondays.

The chief minister also announced establishment of Handloom Bazaars in all the 13 districts of the state. He said the government will provide incentives to Chirala, Dharmavaram, Madanapalle, Mangalagiri and Uppada handloom clusters.

Giving details about the assistance provided to handloom weavers, Naidu said that Rs 71.39 crore was distributed as debt relief among 22,247 weavers.

During the meeting, APCO officials tabled a proposal for establishment of APCO design studio with the support of NIFT. They also proposed setting up a Yarn Bank for supplying yarn to cooperative societies. They suggested providing holiday advances for the government employees to purchase APCO products. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India