Handicraft exports to meet FY14 target;rise 39.7 pc in January

Handicraft exports grew 39.79 per cent in January buoyed by demand from emerging markets and are on track to achieve the USD 4.1 billion target for the current fiscal.
"On account of good demand in emerging markets like Latin America and Africa, the shipment of handicraft products from India grew 39.79 per cent to USD 347.76 million in January 2014 versus the previous year," said Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
"We will be able to achieve the target of USD 4.1 billion for the current fiscal," he said while addressing a press conference here.

Handicrafts exports grew 20.72 per cent year-on-year to USD 2.78 billion between April and January during 2013-14 over the same period last fiscal.
The country's total handicraft exports had clocked USD 3.3 billion in the previous fiscal.
Besides, to promote handicraft exports, the EPCH is organising the 'Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair' starting February 17 at Greater Noida where more than 2,650 exhibitors, will participate and showcase a wide variety of products.

The four-day fair, which will be inaugurated by Union Textile Minister K S Rao, will see a large number of overseas buyers who come to source their requirements from Indian companies.

The handicraft fair this year will have more than 2,650 exhibitors including 900 permanent marts, drawn from various regions and states.
The major product categories include houseware, home textiles, furniture, cane and bamboo, X-Mas decorations, fashion jewellery and lamp & lighting. Lace craft from Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh will also be on display, EPCH said.