North Eastern and Jodhpur Craft Cluster Products on Focus at 44th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair

India’s North Eastern Region is one of the richest in terms of eco-friendly crafts.  The North Eastern states of India – Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura are gifted with abundant natural materials such as cane, bamboo, timber, silk, clay, natural fibre, etc. The region’s crafts persons’ unique well-guarded skills have passed through generations and have gracefully incorporated use of modern sustainable technologies to enhance quality.  The North East Region of India is home to a large number of tribes and sub-tribes who bring into this region’s export basket, natural and handmade products from about 450 different communities.

The exports from these North Eastern states during the year 2016-17 was to the tune of Rs. 1278.93 crores over the previous year which can be further increased with the help of focused export promotion programmes by providing a platform to the artisans, crafts persons and manufacturers of North Eastern State in the fairs and trade shows being organized by EPCH as well as in international fairs abroad where EPCH participates said Rakesh Kumar, Executive Director.

With 20 exporters, entrepreneurs and crafts persons from the region, displaying  in the special theme pavilion the complete range of handicrafts of the region such as water hysin, muga silk and eri silk, apart from products made out of  cane and bamboo based at one location.  Overseas buyers, who are not aware of the potential available from this region for developing new lines of business, are finding this exclusive pavilion of great interest.

ED-EPCH further said that another theme pavilion from Jodhpur Mega cluster has also been set up in which 10 artisans are displaying their skills of leather embroidery, horn,  tie and dye crafts, embroidery and appliqué hand block printing, punja durries, art metalware and woodcraft.

This international event like this will definitely  boost the morale of  small and upcoming entrepreneurs of these region and motivate others to step-up their efforts in product design and innovation, so that they can also get connected to the international buying community,”said  Rakesh Kumar.