The government has called the country’s artisans to adopt innovative methods and technologies to compete in the world market.
“We need to develop new, innovative items to compete in the international market besides upgrading design and technology to boost handicraft exports,” minister of state for textiles EVKS Elangovan said while inaugurating the 27th edition of Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair.
Elangovan said Indian handicrafts are worst affected in the world market and the exports, which was rising every year, declined by more than 40 per cent in 2008-09.
“This four day fair spread over 97,000 sq metre exhibition area featuring products of 1,500 exhibitors and home furnishing textiles and handicrafts is expected to generate sizeable enquiries and business orders for the Indian handicraft sector” said Rakesh Kumar, executive director, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts and Managing Director, India Exposition Mart Ltd.