New Delhi (face warta) - 15TH July, 2020 - Since its inception EPCH has been doing pioneering work in promoting the crafts of different craft clusters and bringing these crafts at the International arena through participation in International trade fairs abroad as well as in India said Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH.
India’s North Eastern Region is one of the richest in terms of sustainable crafts made from natural and eco-friendly materials. The North Eastern states of India consist of Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura which are known for abundant natural materials such as cane & bamboo, silk, clay, natural fibres etc. The unique well-guarded skills of these craftpersons have passed through generations and have also 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 are engaged into manufacturing of crafts made out of local material available in abundance in the region.
The craft of this rich region has always been provided platform at the world largest fair called IHGF-Delhi fair regularly. More than 25 artisans and entrepreneurs have been motivated to participate and display their exquisite crafts in theme pavilion set up during 49th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair virtual being held from 13 – 19 July, 2020. They are displaying the complete range of handicrafts of the region such as water hyacinth, muga silk and eri silk, apart from products made out of cane, bamboo and terracotta.
The North Eastern Region theme pavilion was inaugurated by Shri Shantmanu, Development Commissioner [ Handicrafts]. While speaking on the occasion Shri Shantmanu said that India has a rich culture, heritage and variety of crafts all over the country. There are certain states in North Eastern region which have exclusive range of products. The need of the hour is our products should be sustainable, ecofriendly and also socially and environmentally compliant. The products of North Eastern states meets the criteria of all these aspects and have great demand in the International markets. Ms. Jesmina Zeliang, Regional Convenor from NER said that EPCH has made special efforts to provide hand holding and business opportunity to the entrepreneurs of the eight North Eastern States. The entrepreneurs in craft clusters of border states of north east India have adapted the modern product designs with their traditional skills and natural materials to make products that are being sold in renowned stores globally. She hoped that the entrepreneurs will be benefitted out of participation in IHGF-Delhi fair virtual as large number of buyers across the globe will be visiting during the fair. 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.The exports from these North Eastern states of India during the year 2018-19 was to the tune of Rs. 1323.39 crores over the previous year which can be further increased with the help of focused export promotion programmes said by Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH.On third day of the show, models walked on the ramp showcasing leather jackets, bag, jewellery, dresses, jute beach bags, metal jewellery of MIG International, Old Village Overseas, Amaltas, Ahuja Accessories, Dee Gee’s Creation, House of Tuhina and Sardar Exports.
