BHUBANESWAR: Despite being home to around 1.30 lakh artisans and two lakh weavers, the export market for handicraft and handloom products in the State is in a state of lull, notwithstanding the excellent craftsmanship. This can be attributed to the traditional work designs these artists meticulously abide by, instead of embracing the advances of modern designs and techniques, apart from lack of entrepreneurship quality among the craftsmen. To address these problems and provide a platform for the artisans to showcase their products to international buyers, the second edition of the International Handicrafts & Handloom Fair kickstarted on Thursday. Organised by the State Institute of Development of Arts & Crafts (SIDAC), the three-day fair was inaugurated at the Handicrafts Complex by Industries Minister Raghunath Mohanty and Textiles & Handloom Minister Usha Devi. As many as 42 overseas buyers and exporters from 11 countries including the US, South Africa, Australia, Germany, Singapore and Lebanon are participating in the fair. Over 60 exhibitors from handicrafts and handloom sector in the State are showcasing their products in the event, a majority of them being trained artisans. The State Textiles and Handloom Secretary Arti Ahuja said the State Government was taking various measures to increase export of handicraft and handloom products. “We are trying to develop these artisans into entrepreneurs so that they can handle the export market. Before the exhibition, they were given three rounds of training,” she said, adding that initiatives are underway for product development for the international market without disturbing the traditional style and craftsmanship.A design centre has been established at the Handicrafts Complex for providing continuous design support to artisans to develop a wide range of products catering to the international taste and quality.A new scheme on modernisation and technology upgradation has also been started by the Government to help artisans set up units for mass production of crafts. However, the Secretary lamented that the government sometimes loses out on international buyers due to the artisans’ approach. “Even as the State Government is taking measures to provide all facilities to the artisans, they should come forward to reap the benefits. Sometimes, it brings bad name to the Government when artisans take orders from international buyers and do not meet the demand in time. As a result, we lose out on the buyers in the long run,” she said.New Handicrafts Policy SoonThe new Handicrafts Policy of the State would be ready soon. On the sidelines of the second International Handicrafts & Handloom Fair, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Textiles and Handlooms Department, Arti Ahuja said the basic documentation of the policy had been completed and talks are on with all the stakeholders. Ahuja added that the draft document needs fine-tuning and the policy will be finalised in another three to four months.
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