LUCKNOW, April 10 -- The handloom department and the power corporation should collaborate to formulate an action plan aimed at reducing electricity bills for powerloom weavers, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Thursday. The promotion of solar energy should be prioritised, he added. Reviewing the handloom department's operations, he said measures should be taken to improve product quality and facilitate access to larger markets, leading to an increase in weavers' incomes. "Special attention should be directed toward expanding digital platforms, e-commerce capabilities, and branding initiatives, thereby enabling weavers to establish direct connections with consumers," he added. Approximately 199,000 weavers are currently active in the state, and Uttar Pradesh ranks sixth nationally in this sector. The state holds a leading position in the production of carpets and mats, while also maintaining a strong presence in products such as bedsheets, home furnishings, and blankets. In 2024-25, the country's total handloom exports amounted to Rs.1,178.93 crore, with Uttar Pradesh contributing Rs.109.40 crore (approximately 9.27 percent). Rising raw material costs, lack of access to modern designs and technology, and limited market reach remain key concerns, which require a robust and integrated system rather than isolated schemes, the chief minister said. He directed officials to prepare a new cluster-based development plan, identifying weaver-dominated regions and integrating production, quality and marketing. He said such clusters should be developed on a value chain model, covering design, branding, packaging and market access instead of being limited to production. Highlighting the importance of design and marketing, the chief minister said products must align with market demand to succeed. He directed the effective implementation of institutional mechanisms to expand market access and boost incomes....