Introduction
Handicraft is one of the most important sectors in the Indian economy employing more than seven million people. The country produces woodware, artmetal wares, handprinted textiles, embroidered goods, zari goods, imitation jewellery, sculptures, pottery, glassware, attars, agarbattis, etc.
Export Trend
India is one of the largest handicraft exporting countries. In March 2022, the total handicraft export excluding handmade carpets from India was US$ 174.26 million which was an 8% increase from February 2022. During 2021-22, the total exports of Indian handicrafts were valued at US$ 4.35 billion; a 25.7% increase from the previous year.
Export Destinations
The major handicraft export destination for India are the US, the UK, LAC, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, UAE and Switzerland. The US is the top importer of Indian handicrafts with a share of 38% of the total exports during 2020-21. The UK, UAE, Germany and Netherlands are among the largest carpet export destinations for India with a share of about 6.4%, 6%, 6% and 5.5% respectively.
Government Initiatives
National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP)
The important component of this programme is carrying out surveys, upgrading design and technology, developing human resources, providing insurance and credit facilities to artisans, R&D, infrastructure development and marketing support activities.
Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)
The approach of this scheme is to scale up infrastructure and production chain at handicraft clusters. Additionally, this scheme aims to provide adequate infrastructure for production, value addition and quality assurance.
In addition to these the export promotions council arranges various skill development programs, webinars and expos to increase the exposure of the Indian handicraft industry.
Government Body
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)
The EPCH was established under the Companies Act in 1986-87. The main objective of the council is to promote, support, protect, maintain and increase the export of handicrafts. The other activities of the council are knowledge dissemination, providing professional advice and support to members, organizing delegation visits and fairs, providing liaison between exporters and the government and carrying out awareness workshops.
RELATED SITES
"EPCH House", Pocket - 6&7
Sector - 'C', L.S.C,
Vasant Kunj
New Delhi - 110 070
India
Tel.:+91-11-26135256
Fax: +91-11-26135518/ 19
Email: mails@epch.com
Website: www.epch.in
