Bengaluru: Karnataka has earmarked a special allocation for the promotion and development of the handloom sector under the forthcoming Karnataka Textile and Apparel Policy in a bid to preserve Karnataka’s rich handloom heritage, strengthen the livelihoods of weavers and position Karnataka’s handloom products in national and global markets, said Rohini Sindhuri, Secretary, MSME, Mines and Textiles Department.

She was speaking after presenting awards at the State-level celebration of the 12th National Handloom Day. She also announced the launch of a State-wide social media campaign, ‘Our Heritage. Our Threads. Our Future’ on the occasion.

She said, Karnataka’s handloom tradition is not merely a cultural legacy but also the primary source of livelihood for thousands of weaving families. While preserving this heritage, the government is also keen to modernise the sector and make it relevant to changing market demands so that it reaches the younger generation, she said.

The special package will support initiatives such as design development, product value addition, branding, digital marketing, e-commerce, market expansion and enhancing the competitiveness of Karnataka’s handloom products, Rohini Sindhuri added.

She also inaugurated the Handloom Products Exhibition and Sales Pavilion in Bengaluru.