Dastkar Andhra (DA) initiated its activities in 1989, as an off shoot of Dastkar Delhi. It was set up to work with weavers so as to establish handloom as an industry that provides a viable livelihood. Dastkar Andhra also provides training to build capacity in various functional areas, as well as strengthens local institutions at the village level. It has initiated several programmes for weavers and institutions in the area of design, production techniques and natural dyes.
Dastkar Andhra collaborates and works with Dastkar Andhra Marketing Association (DAMA), co-operatives, government and civil society. It has also collaborated with the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad to set up a dye house at their Rural Technology Park.