The handicrafts sectors needs a fresh, ambitious vision that takes it new heights with ambitious targets, and the country should not be satisfied with the 29% increase in exports achieved in 2021-22, said Union Minister of Textiles Piyush Goyal while delivering the address at the 23rd Handicrafts Export Awards Function on Tuesday.

Goyal said the increase in exports of handicrafts from 25,680 crore in 2020-21 to Rs. 33,253 crore in 2021-22 shouldn’t be the benchmark as the sector has tremendous capacity to strengthen its export targets further.

He called upon the award winners to stress on quality, consistency, design and branding to create an ecosystem where multifold increase in the sector could be made possible.  Citing a number of examples including that of solar charkha, the textile minister urged the exporters to focus on innovation to drive the growth in the sector.

He cited the rapid rise of Tiruppur, which had grown dramatically in recent decades and said exports of handicrafts could take a quantum leap.

He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the brand ambassador of India’s handloom sector as he is seen wearing some of the artistically woven clothes. He said that during PM’s visit to other nations, mostly Indian handicraft products are gifted. Similar practice is being followed by nearly 200 Indian Missions abroad.

Goyal said that the Ministry of Textiles has a database of 30 lakh artisans and if we could focus on increasing the income of the artisan by even Rs. 1000 per month, it could lead to transformation in their lives. He suggested that artisans can be linked with GeM.

Also, the mandatory clause of GST registration could be worked upon so as to bring the artisans on board on e-commerce platforms. Emphasizing the big opportunity created by Free Trade Agreements with UAE and Australia, the textile minister suggested that the artisans could be provided a platform in the Dubai Expo Centre for showcasing their products and organizing buyer-seller meets.

He also complimented EPCH work for past three and a half decades to promote & boost exports.

The award function recognise exporters for their outstanding performance during the years 2017-18 and 2018-19.

The evening saw a huge gathering of India’s handicraft exporters from all parts of India along with Mr. Raj K Malhotra, Chairman, EPCH; Vice Chairman, EPCH – Shri Kamal Soni; Mr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH and Chairman, India Exposition Mart Ltd.; members of EPCH’s Committee of Administration.

Goyal along with DarshanaVikramJardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles gave away the awards.

The occasion was also graced by Upendra Prasad Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and was presided by Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.