Other States - Rajasthan   

Handicraft exports get a fillip under WTO regime

25 p. c. surge in exports since January this year

JAIPUR: Handicrafts from Rajasthan are making waves in the foreign markets as eased trade restrictions, under the new World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime, are providing them a never before international access.

These handicrafts, known for their ethnicity and elegance, have witnessed a 25 per cent surge in exports since January this year.

"Due to the open market policy and decrease in import duties, Rajasthan handicrafts are becoming more and more popular world-wide as their prices have been reduced. Now these handicrafts are available in a number of countries and people are buying them," says S. N. Sharma, the senior additional director of industries, Government of Rajasthan.

With an expertise in a wide array of decorative and utility products made up of terracotta, ceramic, marble, clay and wood, Rajasthan has captured the markets of United States, Canada, Britain, Germany and Gulf countries.

Exporters say they are now entering emerging markets like South Africa and a few South East Asian countries, where the, cheap yet extremely beautiful, artefacts, many of which are painstakingly handmade by veteran artisans, are becoming a rage.

Government as well has chipped in well, expanding its trade promotion council, introducing new technology and encouraging local marketing platforms.

Industry reports say Indian handicrafts registered a growth of around 15 per cent last year and this year it is estimated that their exports would touch the 3 billion dollars mark.

Buoyant exporters, facing tough competition from China and Central Asian nations like Iran, famous for their woodwork, silk and carpets, meanwhile are careful on maintaining the strictest international quality standards. They want to edge out competition with sheer superiority of service.

"The importers should get timely delivery of products. Also, one cannot compromise on the quality. We are very particular about these two things and therefore the export has grown manifolds in the recent years," says Satyanarayan Sharma, an exporter.

The industry, which employs around two million people, is a key sector after agriculture, especially in view of the consistent drought situation in the State.

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