Textiles minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar has urged the handicraft exporters to come up with new and innovative products so that buyers always have such impression that these kinds of products cannot be sourced from anywhere else.

Gangwar’s comments came while inaugurating the 40th edition of the Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF) in Delhi. The minister said handicrafts of India have a distinct image and those can be further promoted through such fairs. The three-day event is being organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

“India has a treasure trove of raw materials, craftsmanship and ethnic traditions and we need to reorient to bring innovation and novelty,” he said.

Gangwar pointed out that handicrafts sector provides employment to more than seven million artisans and craftspersons who are the backbone of the sector. He said government and exporting community need to work together for the promotion of this sector.

S.K. Panda, textile secretary, who was also present, said that handicrafts sector not only earns foreign exchange but also provides livelihood to large number of artisans. He urged the exporting community to look at growth in an inclusive way for the benefit of the handicrafts sector and those connected with it.