EPCH Unveils Forward-Looking Vision to Strengthen India’s Handicrafts Sector

08th April 2026, Moradabad: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has unveiled series of strategic vision for the growth and modernization of India’s handicrafts sector, aimed at reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in design, quality, innovation and sustainable export growth. The proposed roadmap focuses on improving market access, upgrading production capabilities, strengthening quality compliance, and creating direct global market linkages for exporters and artisans.

The press conference was chaired by Dr. Neeraj Khanna Chairman, EPCH alongwith Avdhesh Agarwal, Member CoA & Convenor – Central Region; Member CoA, EPCH:- Salman Azam, Rohit Dhall, Naved Ur Rehman, Ms. Rashim Duggal; Prominent member exporters from Central Region: Najmul Islam, J. P. Singh, Puneet Arya, Kunal Dave, Ankit Singh, Vivek Agarwal, Suresh Gupta, Sanjay Gupta, Gagan Duggal, Ankit Agarwal, Ujjwal, Narender Chaudhary, Rahul Dhall, Vishal Khanna, Sumit Tandon, Shailesh Khanna, Rohan Ohri, Tanuj Tandon and press & media were present.

Highlighting the strategic initiatives, Dr. Neeraj Khanna Chairman, EPCH said that “EPCH remains committed to positioning India’s handicrafts sector as a globally preferred sourcing destination by combining the strength of traditional craftsmanship with modern systems, technology, quality assurance and stronger market access. Our vision is to create an ecosystem that not only enhances exports and global visibility, but also ensures inclusive and sustainable growth for artisans, manufacturers and exporters across the value chain.”

Dr. Neeraj Khanna further added, “As part of this vision, we are scaling up a range of strategic interventions across major handicraft clusters. These include expansion of Cash & Carry Centres after the operationalization of the first such centre in Moradabad, the proposed Handicraft Technology Mission towards upgradation of technology in handicraft sector, development of a 3D studio in Moradabad, upgradation of testing facility in Jaipur, a new testing lab at Jodhpur, new supply chain models with warehousing and drop-shipping in the USA and Europe and global buyer outreach for the forthcoming IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2026 to be held from 13–17 October 2026 at Greater Noida.”

Avdhesh Agarwal, Member CoA & Convenor – Central Region shared that “These initiatives are especially important for cluster-based growth because they connect local manufacturing strengths with emerging global expectations in design, compliance, speed and responsiveness. Alongside infrastructure and market initiatives, EPCH places strong focus on capacity building through the Exporter Clinic initiative and a comprehensive calendar of seminars, workshops and awareness programmes across handicraft clusters on pan India. These programmes will cover critical areas including export procedures, compliance, logistics, design innovation, and emerging trends, while fostering interaction between exporters, artisans and industry experts.”

Salman Azam, Member CoA, EPCH, said that “The initiatives announced by EPCH will significantly improve market access for exporters. Moradabad, being a key export hub, stands to benefit greatly from these forward-looking interventions. The focus on technology upgradation and the development of a 3D studio will enable exporters to align with global sourcing trends and enhance product presentation in international markets”.

Rohit Dhall, Member CoA, EPCH, stated that “Strengthening quality infrastructure through new testing facilities at key clusters will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with global standards and boosting buyer confidence” while “the planned warehousing and drop-shipping models will be a game changer for the sector, enabling faster deliveries and direct access to overseas customers, thereby improving operational efficiency and competitiveness” added Naved Ur Rehman, Member CoA, EPCH.

Ms. Rashim Duggal underlined “the importance of continuous skill development and awareness programmes in empowering exporters, particularly MSMEs to navigate changing market dynamics”.

Expressing his views, Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH, shared that, “EPCH’s approach is both strategic and implementation oriented. By building institutional support systems such as testing labs, training programmes, digital tools and international supply-chain linkages, the Council aims to help exporters respond more effectively to market opportunities while meeting evolving buyer requirements across global destinations.”

Rajesh Rawat further added “EPCH’s long-term roadmap also includes the development of warehousing and drop-shipping models in key international markets, especially the USA and Europe, to enable faster delivery, lower logistics costs and more direct access to consumers. The Council also envisions flagship and partner retail stores in important global cities to strengthen the visibility, identity and retail presence of Indian handicrafts worldwide.”