The weaver community in Venkatagiri has sought support from the government for their eco-friendly products as several schemes launched by the Union and state governments have failed to reach them in the past. Presently, these weavers get Rs 1,000 subsidy on silk yarns worth Rs 25,000 per ‘Maggam’. They want the subsidy to be enhanced to at least Rs 2,000.

These weavers also suggest more expos in cities all through the year to eliminate middlemen, and a special drive to promote saris and dress material made out of organic cotton can go a long way in improving the fortunes of the handwoven cloth makers.

From a glorious past, the weaving community in Venkatgiri has now been reduced to looking for unskilled jobs in order to survive, despite their exquisite saris getting a Geographical Indication tag. Some young weavers are trying to improvise in order to stay afloat, and are relying on silk weaving as they can get decent returns as the cost of the sari goes up. They have tied up with leading boutiques in Hyderabad and other cities to market their specially-woven saris with elaborate designs within the country and abroad.