Handloom dept eyes Rs 50 lakh sale from Shilpi Haat

To promote its traditional handloom and handicrafts items nationally, the Gujarat Government has organised a 14-day exhibition-cum-sale for 14 days in Delhi.

Inaugurated at 'Shilpi Haat', Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan in Delhi, the exhibition is expected to generate revenue of Rs 50 lakhs for weavers and craftsmen associated with the Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Ltd (GSHHDL).

“Of the 35-40 crafts specific to Gujarat, around 15 crafts are prominent. Much of these are in metal, leather and beadwork crafts as well. We intend to promote these crafts nationwide as much as possible. And there couldn’t be a better platform than Shilpi Haat. By the end of the exhibition-cum-sale, we are expecting a revenue of Rs 50 lakhs,” said B Venkateswaralu, assistant manager, GSHHDL.

Among a variety of crafts in Gujarat are embroidery, bead work, wood crafts, printed and woven clothes, pottery and tribal art. “Gujarat handicrafts and particularly handloom and handicrafts items of Kutch region are very popular and weavers of this district have won numerous national and international awards for their artisan skills,” said BK Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary, [Ports and Transport] of Gujarat Government while inaugurating the exhibition-cum-sale.

Highlighting various schemes of this sector, AK Jha, managing director of GSHHDL said, “Modern toolkits are provided to the weavers to produce their products according to the market demand. From the total cost of toolkits, 65 per cent subsidies of value are given to the artisans and weavers while they get 35 per cent loan of value of the toolkits.”

Approximately, 50 artisans from Gujarat are participating in this exhibition, and will be getting marginal profit directly without any middlemen from the sales proceeds at the end of 14 days.

Meanwhile, AM Solanki, Secretary, Cottage and Rural Industries said, “Thousands of artisans/weavers, who are inhabited in rural, urban and even remote area of Gujarat, are covered under various schemes of State Government for training and designs development. Their products have received acclamation not only across the country but also overseas. The schemes have helped in creating sustainable employment opportunities and income generation to the artisans.”