Govt. on exports, e-commerce to promote handicraft

Strengthening marketing linkages through various options including exports and e-commerce is a major component of the government’s new programme The Dollar Business Bureau

Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar on Friday held a meeting with a parliamentary consultative committee at NIFT, Hyderabad and discussed various issues concerned with the handicraft industry.

The government has launched a comprehensive national handicraft development programme to ensure skill upgradation for artisans and strengthen marketing linkages through exports, direct sales and e-commerce. Textiles Minister Santosh Gangwar on Friday held a meeting with a parliamentary consultative committee at NIFT, Hyderabad and discussed various issues concerned with the handicraft industry. “A comprehensive National Handicraft Development Programme has been launched which emphasizes integrated approach for holistic development and support to the crafts and artisans,” the minister said. The programme is aimed at empowering artisans by skill upgradation, design development, technology upgradation and supply of raw material through easily accessible Common Facility Centers at cluster level. “Developing and strengthening marketing linkages through various options such as exports, direct sale, participation in sale expos and e-commerce is another major component of new approach,” the minister said. Members of Parliament also emphasised on the need to improve the reach of government schemes and said the sector has huge export potential, if supported by the right marketing and promotional activities. The minister said that artisans themselves cannot glorify the rich cultural heritage of the country; “the combined vision and efforts of all stakeholders, along with government endeavours, is required”. About various initiatives taken by the government, Gangwar said that the welfare of the artisans is being taken care of through Handicrafts Artisans comprehensive welfare schemes. The minister also said that the handicraft export has grown by 10% in rupee terms, from Rs. 13,460 crore during April-December 2014 to Rs. 14,782 crore during April-December 2015. In dollar terms, the country’s handicraft exports have increased by 3%, from $2,215 million during April-December 2014 to $ 2,282 million during April-December 2015.

February 13, 2016 | 4:29pm IST.

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The Dollar Business Bureau - Feb 13, 2016 10:55 IST

Govt. on exports, e-commerce to promote handicraft

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