APCO Marks Golden Jubilee Milestone
The Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Society (APCO) will celebrate its Golden Jubilee on July 6, completing 50 years of supporting handloom weavers and preserving the state's rich textile heritage.
Established in 1976 through the merger of Hyco Fabrics, Raya Fabrics, and Andhra Handlooms, APCO was created to provide assured market support to handloom weavers' cooperative societies and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Today, it procures handloom products from over 1,000 cooperative societies and markets them through nearly 80 showrooms across India, while also expanding its presence through digital and e-commerce platforms.
APCO has played a vital role in promoting traditional weaves, including Dharmavaram silks, Venkatagiri sarees, Uppada Jamdani, Mangalagiri fabrics, Chirala textiles, Bandar weaves, and Ponduru Khadi. It has also supported weavers through yarn supply, assured procurement, and government welfare initiatives.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the government has enhanced support by revising wages and production costs and increasing procurement for uniforms and institutional supplies. APCO also modernised its operations with an online billing system, earning the SKOCH Award 2025 for digital transformation.
As it enters its sixth decade, APCO aims to strengthen cooperative networks, expand market access, and preserve Andhra Pradesh's traditional handloom legacy.
