Archive · 7 Aug 2026
GI Tag Boosts Kuppadam Silk Sales by 30 Percent
Kuppadam silk sarees are special clothes made by hand in a place called Chirala.
A special label called a GI tag was given to these sarees, which proves they are made in that area.
Because of this label, more people want to buy them, and sales have gone up by about 30 percent.
The Chief Minister of the state, N. Chandrababu Naidu, came to visit the weavers.
He started a program called Nethanna Sevalo to help handloom workers, on the day that celebrates handloom weaving.
The government gives weavers free power and money to help them.
One workshop owner plans to build more rooms and buy more looms to give jobs to more weavers.
An old woman named Pushpavathi, who is 90 years old, wanted to meet the Chief Minister, so he visited her and took a photo with her.
Everyone was happy that the weavers' work is getting more attention and support.
Sales of Kuppadam silk sarees have risen by around 30 percent after the sarees received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the Nethanna Sevalo programme at Kothapeta to mark the 12th National Handloom Day.
Weavers said the 'one district-one product' initiative and central government recognition last year boosted Kuppadam silk's reputation.
Naidu interacted with artisans including Batta Dhanunjay Rao and Boddu Aruna, while workshop owner Bandaru Balasubramanyam plans to install more looms.
Naidu fulfilled 90-year-old Pushpavathi of Chirala's wish to meet him and take a photograph together.
- Who
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and handloom weavers of Chirala constituency, including Batta Dhanunjay Rao, Boddu Aruna, and Bandaru Balasubramanyam
- What
- Kuppadam silk saree sales rise by 30 percent after the GI tag, as the CM launches the Nethanna Sevalo programme on National Handloom Day
- When
- Friday, on the 12th National Handloom Day
- Where
- Kothapeta in the Chirala constituency (reported from Vijayawada)
- Why
- To support handloom weavers and recognise Kuppadam silk's craftsmanship following the GI tag and central government recognition
- Sales growth
- Around 30 percent for Kuppadam silk sarees
- Recognition
- Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Kuppadam silk sarees
- Occasion
- 12th National Handloom Day
- Programme launched
- Nethanna Sevalo at Kothapeta
- Government support
- Rs 25,000 financial assistance and 200 units of free power
- Central recognition
- Kuppadam silk produced in Chirala received central government recognition last year
- Location
- Chirala constituency, Kothapeta assembly segment