Andhra Pradesh Set to Emerge as India’s Next Silk State: Giriraj Singh

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday said Andhra Pradesh has the potential to become India’s next major Silk State and a leading textile hub , with the Centre preparing a roadmap to strengthen the state’s presence in both traditional and advanced textile sectors.

During his two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh, Singh toured the Mohan Spintex facility at Mallavalli Industrial Park in Krishna district and discussed plans to expand handlooms, cotton cultivation, and technical textiles in the state. He said detailed talks would be held with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on attracting larger textile investments and boosting industrial growth.

The minister highlighted the need to improve cotton productivity in India, noting that global cotton yields average nearly 2,000 kilograms per hectare , while India produces only about 450 kilograms . He said better seed policies, modern farming practices, and technological support are essential to close the gap.

Singh also announced that the Centre has approved special handloom clusters for Dharmavaram and another location in Andhra Pradesh to support weavers and strengthen the state’s traditional textile industry.

As part of the Centre’s push toward advanced manufacturing, Singh said he would inaugurate a glass fiber manufacturing unit in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. He added that sectors such as carbon fiber, graphene, and agri-tech materials would play a major role in the state’s future industrial expansion.

The Union Minister further pointed to the Centre’s PLI scheme , which carries an official outlay of ₹10,683 crore , and said Andhra Pradesh should fully utilize the opportunity to attract central funding and private investment.

India’s textile market, currently valued at around $176 billion , is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030 , Singh said, adding that initiatives such as Bharat Tex are aimed at positioning India as a trusted global textile sourcing and investment hub.