India: Textiles Ministry asks handicraft exporters to focus on R&D, innovation

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India: Textiles Ministry asks handicraft exporters to focus on R&D, innovation

The Textiles Ministry wants handicraft exporters to focus on R&D to produce innovative products to become globally competitive. "There is hardly any emphasis on research and development of designs and product innovation. Considerable work has to be done by the exporting community to re-orient designs, colors and pattern of the product produced in India to suit the international requirement," Textiles Minister Kavuru Sambasiva Rao said.

The industry must re-invest, re-design and re-adopt to suit the international buying community and develop products suitable to the particular buying region or country, he said after inaugurating 'Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair' (IHGF) held at Greater Noida. Rao observed that the handicraft artisans, do not get the due for their livelihood. Thus, the ministry is taking steps for the welfare of artisans and their families.

The US and Europe together account for about 60 percent of the country's total handicraft shipments. During April-August 2013, exports of handcrafted items grew about 11 percent to US$ 1.41 billion compared to the same period last fiscal. The country's total handicraft exports have met the target of US$ 3.3 billion for 2012--13. The handicraft sector employs one million people. Moradabad, Jaipur, Saharanpur and Jodhpur are the major handicraft hubs in the country catering to global markets.