The Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society (Co-optex) proposes to get geographical indication (GI) tag for five traditional varieties of handloom products, namely, the silk saris from Chinnalapatti; Koorainadu saris; Nagarcoil vaeti; Uuraiyur saris; and Gudiyatham lungis. The department has allocated ₹15 lakh.
R Gandhi, Minister of State for Handlooms and Textiles notes, the department also plans to set up a mini parks in Dindigul and Chinalampatti on the lines of the Kancheepurampark Becoming a profit-making venture, Co-optex has launched 18 showrooms in the last three years.
It currently has 154 showrooms, including 105 in the State and 49 outside the State. The department has proposed setting up a sales centre in Jaipur in Rajasthan at a cost of ₹66 lakh. In 2023-24, Co-optex’s sales rose to Rs 214.50 lakh from Rs 171.90 lakh in 2020-21. The department also proposes to conduct a detailed study for manufacture of sport-tech and athleisure dresses.
