Sejal Singh B G, Correspondent, Siliconindia

• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, UP, WB, and Andhra Pradesh have launched online initiatives like Karshika Textile and TEXCIL to connect artisans with global markets and boost exports.
• These platforms enable direct sales, bypassing middlemen, and offer digital tools for inventory, payments, and marketing, increasing artisan income.
• Combining tech with tradition, these initiatives preserve India’s handloom heritage while promoting eco-friendly, sustainable textiles.

​India's handloom and textile industry, deeply ingrained in the country's culture and heritage, has found new avenues with the onset of digital innovation. As the government maintains momentum with 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and growing domestic demand for local products, various states are now spearheading the movement in encouraging local handloom and textile businesses through online platforms. These initiatives are not only helping the traditional craftsman but are also boosting the local economy and giving a sustainable future to this precious industry.

In this article, we explore five state-led online initiatives that are making waves in 2025, with a special focus on State's innovative steps and contributions by state ministers.

1. Kerala’s ‘Karshika Textile’ Platform

Kerala, which is famous for its historic tradition of handloom weaving, has taken the first step towards integrating local weavers and artisans into a larger consumer market with the assistance of a state-funded online platform called Karshika Textile. Launched in 2024 by Kerala's Minister for Coir, Handloom and Handicrafts, Mr. A.C. Moideen, the platform aims to create a direct interface for buyers to directly purchase traditional handloom products like sarees, dhotis, and home furnishings.

The shift is especially timely since there is growing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly textiles and handlooms gaining greater traction in urban markets. By shifting to online sales locally, the Kerala government has provided handloom clusters, which otherwise exist in rural areas, access to global markets. The platform also benefits artisans through services like ease of order management, online payments, and logistical support for delivery.

Key Highlight: The launch of the Karshika Textile platform in 2024 has helped over 1,500 artisans across Kerala, with over 2 million sales transactions already recorded, reflecting a shift in how traditional textiles are marketed and sold.

2. Tamil Nadu’s ‘TEXCIL’ Initiative

The state of Tamil Nadu, which boasts India's largest textile industry, has recently come out with TEXCIL (Tamil Nadu Export and Cotton Industries Link), an e-platform for supporting the indigenous handloom sector. Introduced by Tamil Nadu's Textile Minister, Ms. R. Indira, TEXCIL directly connects small-scale weavers, dyers, and textile mills with retailers, wholesalers, and even foreign buyers.

The state, which produces the renowned Kanchipuram sarees and Coimbatore cotton, has adopted contemporary e-commerce capabilities, including real-time inventory levels, customer feedback, and supply chain management. This enables artisans and producers to bypass middlemen and sell directly to consumers, saving money and providing fair compensation. Moreover, the Tamil Nadu government has also introduced a specialized mobile app for local weavers with access to digital payment platforms as well as online marketing tools.

Key Highlight: TEXCIL has led to a 40 percent increase in the export of Tamil Nadu handlooms within just one year, contributing significantly to the state's textile sector’s recovery post-pandemic.

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3. Uttar Pradesh's ‘Handloom Utsav’ Virtual Marketplace

India's leading handloom textile-producing state, Uttar Pradesh, has put its centuries-old traditional weaving online with the Handloom Utsav virtual shopping platform. Initiated by the Uttar Pradesh Handloom and Textile Development Minister, Shri Pawan Kumar Tiwari, in early 2025, the platform targets the promotion of the state's renowned Varanasi silk, Chikan embroidery, and other local handlooms.

The Handloom Utsav platform is conceptualized as an online exhibition, where the artisans directly expose their products to buyers worldwide. Virtual fairs are also organized on the platform, which unites the artisans with global buyers in addition to promoting the state's rich textile heritage. Subsidies have also been provided by Uttar Pradesh for artisans to undergo digital training so that they can efficiently handle online sales and marketing strategies.

Key Highlight: The platform is expected to generate over Rs 200 crore in sales by 2025, revitalizing the handloom sector and making it a vital part of Uttar Pradesh's economy.

4. West Bengal’s ‘Bengal Handloom Hub’

The state government of West Bengal has released the Bengal Handloom Hub, an e-commerce portal that seeks to expand the scope of West Bengal's handloom industry, such as the legendary Baluchari and Jamdani sarees. In 2025, at the behest of the state's Minister of Handlooms, Ms. Shashi Panja, the project is envisioned to establish an e-commerce environment exclusively for Bengali handlooms. The platform provides artisans with means to design their own online boutiques, track inventory, and deliver on time through a state-run logistics system.

This transformation has been revolutionary, particularly for small, family-owned weaving enterprises in towns such as Murshidabad and Howrah. The website also features a special ‘Bengal Handloom Certificate’ to certify authentic handwoven products, which goes a long way to boost customer confidence.

Key Highlight: The Bengal Handloom Hub has seen a 25 percent rise in international orders within six months of launch, proving that authentic, handcrafted products continue to have global appeal.

Also Read: 10 Most Promising B2B e-Commerce Marketplace in India – 2025

5. Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Handloom e-Marketplace’ for Global Reach

Andhra Pradesh, which is proud of its thriving handloom industry in pockets like Srikakulam and Pochampally, has been spearheading the efforts with its Handloom e-Marketplace. The online market platform unites local weavers with global consumers and exposes them to digital platforms for expanding business. Artisans are trained by the state government, led by Minister for Handlooms and Textiles, Mr. K. Kannababu, on how to utilize the strengths of digital marketing and selling online.

One of the best things about the Handloom e-Marketplace is the tie-up with international logistics companies, making export to other countries like the U.S., UK, and Australia easy. The state has also established relationships with fashion designers and influencers to promote its handloom products globally.

Key Highlight: Andhra Pradesh’s online handloom marketplace generated Rs 50 crore in sales in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting the strong demand for locally produced textiles.

Conclusion

2025 is a groundbreaking period for India's handloom and textile sector, with state-promoted online opportunities paving the way for artisans to prosper. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh are taking the lead with their e-commerce platforms, propping up weavers while safeguarding cultural heritage. These online platforms support economic empowerment as well as the survival and development of India's vibrant textile heritage in a rapidly digitalising world. With the efforts of the government persisting and strategic alliances, India's handloom and textile industries have a brighter future than ever before, promising the perfect mix of tradition and innovation.