EPCH Unveils ‘Aggressive Export Promotion Mission 2026-27’ to Accelerate India’s Handicrafts Exports

TEN NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi News (20 August 2026): The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has unveiled a comprehensive “Aggressive Export Promotion Mission 2026-27” aimed at accelerating India’s handicrafts exports, expanding international market opportunities and providing greater support to exporters, MSMEs and artisans across the country.

The strategic roadmap was discussed during a meeting of the Committee of Administration (CoA) of EPCH, held on August 20, 2026, at Hotel Vasant Continental, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH.

The meeting was attended by members of the EPCH Committee of Administration, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH; Shri Avdhesh Agarwal, Member, CoA; and Shri Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH.

EPCH Targets Faster Export Growth Amid Global Challenges

According to EPCH, India’s handicrafts exports stood at ₹33,425.26 crore (US$3,783.16 million) during 2025-26, registering a growth of 0.91% in rupee terms, while declining by 3.40% in US dollar terms compared with the previous year.

The sector, however, has shown stronger momentum during the initial months of the current financial year. Handicrafts exports during April-July 2026-27 were estimated at ₹12,307.97 crore (US$1,295.79 million), representing a growth of 12.79% in rupee terms and 1.76% in dollar terms over the corresponding period of 2025-26.

The Committee observed that despite the recent improvement, the current export growth rate remains below the ambitious targets set by the Government of India for the handicrafts sector. The members therefore stressed the need for exceptional and extraordinary measures to accelerate exports and strengthen India’s position in the global handmade products market.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar to Guide Action Plan for 20% Export Growth

During the meeting, Shri Avdhesh Agarwal emphasised the need to achieve handicrafts export growth of around 20%, stating that the current growth trajectory is not sufficient to realise the sector’s potential.

He proposed that Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH, guide the Committee and recommend specific measures for significantly enhancing handicrafts exports from India. The Committee unanimously decided to seek Dr. Rakesh Kumar’s guidance for preparing a comprehensive action plan aimed at achieving the ambitious export targets for the sector.

‘Aggressive Export Promotion Mission 2026-27’ to Focus on Global Expansion

Chairman Dr. Neeraj Khanna highlighted the need to provide greater support to EPCH members, particularly those participating in domestic and international trade fairs. Against this backdrop, the Council proposed the “EPCH Aggressive Export Promotion Mission 2026-2027”, with a broad focus on:

Accelerated mobilisation of international buyers

Diversification of export markets

Increased global promotion of Indian handicrafts

Strengthening of existing international markets

Identification of new sourcing destinations

Creation of enhanced business opportunities for member exporters

Strengthening of cluster-level infrastructure and services

Major Cluster-Level Initiatives Proposed

Under the new mission, EPCH has proposed several initiatives to strengthen India’s major handicraft clusters.

The Jodhpur Basni Centre will be developed into a modern skill, incubation and innovation centre for the furniture and handicrafts sector in collaboration with the Handicraft & Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC). EPCH plans to invest around ₹10 crore over the coming years to develop the facility as a model skilling centre.

Similar efforts will be undertaken to upgrade the EPCH CFC at Saharanpur, while the Agra Extension Centre will also be strengthened.

At Firozabad, EPCH plans to establish a testing laboratory with the support of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, for which land acquisition will be pursued.

A dedicated Design Centre equipped with WGSN trend access is proposed at the EPCH premises in Moradabad. The Council has also proposed a special budget for a Cash & Carry Centre in Moradabad.

EPCH will further seek expansion of the TFC at Boranada, Jodhpur, through acquisition of adjoining land.

For the fashion jewellery sector, a Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Delhi-NCR, with an estimated cost of ₹5 crore excluding land, has also been proposed. Grants will be sought from the Ministry of MSME and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

In Kolkata, a Bag Cluster is proposed to be established with an initial seed capital of ₹1 crore through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

Overseas Warehouses in Europe and the USA

One of the key proposals under the mission is the establishment of overseas warehousing and supply-chain facilities in the European Union and the USA. The initiative, envisioned by Chairman Dr. Neeraj Khanna, is proposed to be implemented with the support of the Government of India. EPCH will make efforts to operationalise the facilities effectively, with members across India being made eligible to benefit from the initiative.

The move is aimed at strengthening supply chains, improving market access and helping Indian handicraft exporters serve overseas buyers more efficiently.

Financial Support for Exporters Participating in Trade Fairs

EPCH has also proposed financial support for members participating in major fairs in India. Members participating in events such as IMM India, Bharat Tex and other fairs of national repute will be provided support of ₹250 per square metre, subject to the applicable provisions. The support will also apply to eligible EPCH-related participation.

For the flagship IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring and Autumn editions, the participation rate is proposed to be reduced by ₹6,000 per square metre, covering both editions of the fair. The Council has also proposed extending certain courtesy facilities to exhibitors at the IHGF Delhi Fair, including water bottles and other basic support across booths in the complex, including the Mart and member-exporter areas.

Strengthening Member Engagement and Design Access

The mission also places emphasis on strengthening interaction and bonding among EPCH members. Activities such as FASCO, cricket and pickleball tournaments, along with programmes linked to International Yoga Day, will continue. To improve access to global design and market intelligence, EPCH has proposed providing WGSN software access across all its offices, enabling members and stakeholders to access international design and trend information.

Special Steering Committee for IHGF Delhi Fair

The Committee also decided to constitute a dedicated Steering Committee to ensure that all key tasks related to the upcoming IHGF Delhi Fair are completed on a fast-track basis.

The proposed Steering Committee comprises:

Dr. Neeraj Khanna – Chairman, EPCH

Mr. Avdhesh Agarwal – President, IHGF Delhi Fair

Mr. Rajesh Jain – Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair

Mr. Pradeep Muchhala – Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair

Mr. Salman Azam – Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair

Mr. R. B. Lahoti – Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair

Mr. Priyesh Bhandari – Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair

EPCH Aims to Strengthen India’s Global Handicrafts Footprint

The meeting concluded with the Committee reaffirming its commitment to implementing coordinated, proactive and result-oriented measures to accelerate India’s handicrafts exports. The proposed initiatives are aimed at strengthening India’s presence in global markets, improving infrastructure and supply-chain capabilities, facilitating greater buyer engagement and creating new business opportunities for exporters, MSMEs and artisans across the country.

With the “Aggressive Export Promotion Mission 2026-27”, EPCH is seeking to move beyond conventional export promotion and build a more comprehensive ecosystem focused on market expansion, cluster development, international promotion, exporter support and sustainable growth of India’s handicrafts sector.