Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, has assured textile manufacturers of developing a textile park in Andhra Pradesh besides securing a 50 per cent subsidy through the Central government. He pledged to discuss the matter with Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles.

Highlighting the ongoing ginning, spinning, and fabric production operations in the state, Chandra Sekhar emphasised the importance of increasing production and job opportunities in the state by offering a 50 per cent subsidy to encourage greater participation in textile production.

Set up at Gopalavaripalem near Chilakaluripet in Palnadu district, the park currently operates at just 50 per cent of its potential. Currently, only nine units in this park are operational with just 400 employees. The park is expected to be fully operational with the realisation of subsidies and improved farming support.

Chandra Sekhar emphasises, good quality seeds and fertilisers will help improve crop yields in the state, directly benefitting the availability of raw materials for the textile industry.

In 2014, the Central Government had announced plans to set up multiple textile parks nationwide, with two such parks to being developed in Andhra Pradesh. Local industrialists plan to set up 61 units in the park, including five weaving processing units, 54 weaving units, and two garment manufacturing units. The Centre has also declared a 30 per cent capital subsidy to support this initiative.

The textile park in Andhra Pradesh is envisioned to stimulate industrial growth and generate direct and indirect employment for 6,000 people.