The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : APCO in turnaround mode

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 01, 2007
ePaper

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

APCO in turnaround mode

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society (APCO) continues its stellar performance after its turnaround in 2002-03 and is well on its way to cross the Rs. 150-crore turnover mark this year.

From Rs. 80 crore in 2005, the business has already touched Rs.138 crore in 2006-07. Improved sales and government orders to the tune of Rs.60 crore in livery last year boosted the turnover. Things look so rosy that APCO is confident of surpassing Rs. 70 crore in government orders now.

Government support, increased efforts to sell products and Rs. 50-crore loan from the National Cooperative Development Corporation have helped the turnaround of the State’s premier handloom cooperative organisation. The fact that dues to primary weavers’ cooperative societies are being cleared within a month and a 20-per cent rise in weavers’ wages reflect its robust growth.

To step up business, APCO is striving to secure orders from bulk purchasers, as more orders will mean improved employment to weavers. A strong organisation will give a boost to primary societies and more work for weavers.

Computerised

As part of efforts to strengthen and improve ACPO’s functioning, 43 sales shops and 11 godowns have been computerised under the first phase. The second phase involves completion of work in 107 shops. Handlooms and Textiles Minister Sabita Indra Reddy is inaugurating the computerised facility and bar code system at the Handloom House, Minerva, on November 1.

The makeover efforts received a boost with the introduction of improved gents and women’s wear, silk printed saris.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail