India has been witnessing a steady rise in the export of handmade carpets and floor coverings since last three years. Carpet exports increased form Rs.7108.31 crore in FY13-14 to Rs.8441.95 crore in FY14-15, and then to Rs.9481.36 crore in FY15-16. In the ongoing financial year 2016-17, carpet exports have already touched Rs.5786.85 crore till October.

The data on India’s carpet exports was given by textiles minister Smriti Irani in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha last week. The minister said that the ministry does not maintain state/UT wise export statistics.

The government is implementing various schemes to improve the exports of handmade carpets and other floor coverings. These include five per cent Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) Scrip on exports of handmade carpets and other floor coverings.

In order to increase manufacturing and exports of the carpet industry, government is planning to establish mega clusters in Bhadohi-Mirzapur and Srinagar. It also intends to set up Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) at Bhadohi.

Meanwhile, the government is imparting skill development training for carpet weaving and providing financial aid for functioning of carpet weaving training centres in the areas of Bhadohi-Varanasi-Mirzapur. Stipend is also given to the trainees.

The carpet manufacturers and exporters are also benefitting with the refund of excise and custom duties paid on import through duty drawback channel.

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