Andhra Pradesh Wins 10 National ODOP Awards for Promoting Traditional Crafts and Agriculture

New Delhi, July 16:Andhra Pradesh has received national recognition by bagging 10 prestigious awards under the One District – One Product (ODOP) initiative, a flagship programme aimed at promoting indigenous products and boosting local economies. The state’s excellence in handlooms, handicrafts, and agriculture earned it accolades across multiple categories.

The announcement was made by Special Chief Secretary (Handlooms and Textiles) RP Sisodia, who detailed that seven awards were won for handloom and handicraft products, two for agricultural products, and one in the interstate ODOP category. The awards were presented by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at a ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Monday.

Among the award-winning products are:

·       Bobbili Veena (Vizianagaram)

·       Etikoppaka Toys (Anakapalli)

·       Peddapuram Silk Sarees (Kakinada)

·       Chirala Silk Sarees (Bapatla)

·       Venkatagiri Sarees (Tirupati)

·       Narasapur Crochet Lace (West Godavari)

·       Dharmavaram Silk Sarees (Sri Sathya Sai District)

From the agricultural sector, Guntur Chilli and Srikakulam Cashew were recognised for their uniqueness and contribution to rural livelihoods. Details of the interstate ODOP award will be revealed during the award ceremony. District collectors and artisans from the award-winning regions have already arrived in New Delhi to receive the honors.

Government’s Commitment to Traditional Sectors

Addressing the press, Minister for BC & EWS Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles S. Savita attributed the achievement to the focused efforts of the TDP-led NDA government under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. She highlighted the administration’s commitment to reviving traditional crafts and strengthening rural economies within just a year of returning to power.

Commissioner for Handlooms and Textiles G. Rekha Rani said, “The awards are a testament to the dedicated efforts of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has placed a strong emphasis on reviving and promoting traditional crafts and strengthening rural livelihoods. Among the award-winning handloom and handicraft products are the Bobbili Veena from Vizianagaram, Etikoppaka toys from Anakapalli, Peddapuram silk sarees from Kakinada, Chirala silk sarees from Bapatla, Venkatagiri sarees from Tirupati, Narasapur crochet lace from West Godavari, and Dharmavaram silk sarees from the Sri Sathya Sai district.”

Boosting the Handloom Sector with New Initiatives

In a major boost to the handloom community, the state will launch a free electricity scheme for weavers and powerloom operators on National Handloom Day, August 7, 2025. Under the scheme:

·       Handloom weavers will receive 200 units of free power monthly

·       Powerloom operators will be entitled to 500 free units

Additionally, the government will fulfill its pre-election promise by releasing thrift fund contributions to weavers, a move backed by HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

Expanding Market Reach

To further support artisans, the government is enhancing marketing avenues. Currently, 97 APCO showrooms are operational, with more planned across the state to improve the visibility of local products. E-commerce platforms are also being leveraged to boost online sales, ensuring financial sustainability for traditional craftsmen.

The ODOP awards are given to energise weavers and artisans, drive sales growth, and solidify Andhra Pradesh’s standing as a hub for cultural and agricultural heritage on the national stage.