The Pochampally Digital Cluster Programme is being initiated by DEF with financial support from Microsoft to develop a traditional skill based cluster as an integrated digitally enabled cluster to empower artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs for socio-economic prosperity. The project is being implemented in Pochampally district located in Yadadri Bhongir the new District of Telangana. Pochampally is surrounded by hills and lush green fields. It is the place where threads and colours find their way into the hands of skilful weavers and meander into the market as beautiful sarees and dress materials.
The famous Pochampally saree has won Intellectual Property Rights protection globally know as Geographical Indication (GI) Certification in 2005. It is the first traditional Indian craft to receive this status of geographical branding. The weavers of Pochampally are popular for their traditional and geometric patterns in Ikat style of dyeing. Ikat weaving involves an 18-step sequence of tying and dyeing sections of bundled yarn to a predetermined intricate colour pattern prior to weaving.
Spread over an attractive and charming part of the Deccan plateau, Pochampally, a cluster of 60 villages, has earned a name to reckon with in the map of popular weaving clusters of India. It is the single largest handloom of tie and dye cluster with about 1000 Pit looms and around 5000 artisans.