National Handloom Day Today: Threads Of Success -- Madhya Pradesh Handloom Sales Surge 165% In 5 Years

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The sales of traditional handloom products of Madhya Pradesh have more than doubled in last five years. Chanderi is the state's most popular handloom weave, followed by Maheshwari.

The sales of handloom products totalled nearly Rs 17 crore five years ago. In 2025-26, sales touched a record Rs 45 crore, a jump of almost 165%. Of the amount, around Rs 25 crore went to the weavers.

Chanderi saris accounted for the biggest share of the total sales, about Rs 25 crore in 2025-26, followed by Maheshwari saris and dress material, which recorded sales of around Rs 12 crore in the last financial year.

According to commissioner, cottage and village industries, Madan Bibhishan Nagargoje, handloom products are also marketed directly by the weavers and through fairs in different parts of the country besides Mrignaynee stores.

Chanderi and Maheshwari weaves are also being promoted under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. "We will soon be launching our own website to market handloom products online instead of depending on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart," he added.

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"I represent the second generation of my family in this craft. My father, Tulsiram Koli, was a national award winner. While demand for Chanderi products has surged, weaver wages remain stagnant. Five years ago, wages were Rs 40 per tilli (spool). Now, they are Rs 50.

A weaver earns around Rs 400 to Rs 450 a day, which is insufficient. When a saree sells for Rs 5,000, the weaver receives only Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000. We urge the government to increase labour charges by 20% to 25%."

- Pradeep Koli, Chanderi weaver