The Hindu : Sharp rise in handicrafts exports

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Apr 26, 2003

Business

Business

Sharp rise in handicrafts exports

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI APRIL 25. The handicrafts sector is poised for a doubling of exports from the present level to about $3.5 billion, according to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). The target now appears achievable in view of the record export growth in 2002-03. After the adverse business climate in 2001-02 due to the terrorist attack on the U.S., the handicrafts sector has shown a much better performance in the last fiscal with a spurt of 23.25 per cent in exports.

The industry, which is predominantly in the cottage, small and medium scale sector, has exported products worth $1.7 billion against the target of $1.6 billion.

According to EPCH representatives, the improved performance was due to various medium and long-term strategies devised to achieve this sustained growth, which has been spread over all product categories. The EPCH in close collaboration with trade and craftspersons of the industry devised integrated marketing approach for promoting trade. This consisted of aggressive promotion and publicity overseas through various media and marketing through fairs and exhibitions, special promotions like folk craft festivals and sponsoring of delegations and inviting overseas buying teams.

In addition, among Indian exporters, the effort was to develop awareness on marketing techniques, opportunities and trends, product and design development, improvement in packaging and presentation.

According to the disaggregated data for 2002-03, art metal ware played an important role, exports of which have increased by over 23 per cent as compared to the previous year. Out of the total handicrafts exports in rupee terms of Rs. 8,343 crores, shipments of art metal ware are estimated at Rs. 2,165.21 crores.

Another product category, embroidered and crocheted goods showed the highest growth of 28,25 per cent and comprised as much as 29.7 per cent of the total exported. Handprinted textiles and scarves also rose by a buoyant 20 per cent while shawls as art ware recorded a 21 per cent growth. Other products which account for a much smaller share of the total like zari and zari goods, wood ware and imitation jewellery also rose by a healthy 18 per cent plus.

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