Gadkari Envisions Global Reach for Dhapewada Silk

In a bid to revive the traditional silk weaving industry of Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced plans to promote Dhapewada's silk sarees on a global scale. Speaking at the inauguration of a new facility for the Dhapewada Textile Producer Udyog Company Ltd, Gadkari emphasized the importance of this initiative, which began as a social enterprise involving 400 women. The event also featured Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh and Bollywood actress Hema Malini as chief guests.

Gadkari highlighted the potential of the Dhapewada silk industry to provide employment opportunities for approximately 5,000 women, aiming to establish a unique international identity for the region's handloom products. He expressed his aspiration to see Dhapewada silk showcased at prestigious events like Cannes in France, stating, "We want to develop it into a brand."

Reflecting on the decline of Nagpur's once-thriving handloom sector, Gadkari noted the silence of the Gandhibagh market and the struggles faced by the Halba community, historically linked to weaving. He recalled past government initiatives that aimed to support weavers but ultimately faded away. The Dhapewada silk project, initiated in 2021, has since evolved to manufacture premium Tussar silk sarees and is now preparing to scale production.

The enterprise has also developed capabilities for organic color printing and is exploring artificial intelligence to streamline the saree production process, aiming to cut the time from ten days to six. Additionally, plans are underway to expand the product range to include dhotis, jackets, and other garments, with an interest in involving tribal communities from Gadchiroli in silk breeding and thread production.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh remarked that the Dhapewada initiative could become a pivotal moment for India's handloom sector. He announced efforts to ensure that every weaver could earn between Rs20,000 and Rs30,000 per month within a year. Singh also noted the textile industry's significant role in employment generation, stating it has created jobs for five crore people over the past twelve years. He emphasized the integration of technology in textile manufacturing, including collaborations with IIT Delhi to enhance production efficiency through real-time monitoring and AI integration. Hema Malini praised the unique Karvatkathi sarees and advocated for diversifying the product line to attract a broader customer base, underscoring the need to preserve and promote India's rich weaving traditions.