Bhuj, Nov 14 (IANS) The Central government is looking to expand market access and export opportunities for artisans associated with Kutch’s traditional handicrafts, Ajrakh block printing and handloom industry, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said during a two-day visit to the district on Saturday.
Singh said artisans are the custodians of India’s cultural heritage and that providing wider market access to their skills, innovations and products remained a priority for the government.
He also stressed the need to connect traditional crafts with contemporary designs and the requirements of international markets.
During his visit, the minister interacted with artisans, weavers, entrepreneurs, designers, exporters and buyers to understand the challenges facing the sector and explore ways to strengthen market linkages, improve export prospects and promote traditional crafts at national and international levels.
Singh began his visit at the Living and Learning Design Centre (LLDC) Craft Museum in Ajrakhpur, Bhuj taluka, where he explored exhibits showcasing Kutch’s traditional handicrafts, craft techniques and cultural heritage.
He later participated in the ‘Shilp Samvad’ programme at the LLDC auditorium, where he held discussions with representatives of producer companies, non-governmental organisations, entrepreneurs, exporters, buyers, designers, award winners and master craft persons.
The discussions focused on the overall development of the handicrafts sector, the difficulties faced by artisans, better marketing opportunities for their products and the need to expand exports.
Participants also discussed ways to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs to meet changing consumer preferences in global markets.
The minister subsequently visited the workplace and residence of renowned Ajrakh artisan Dr Ismail Khatri.
He inspected the hand block-printing unit and learnt about the techniques and processes involved in producing Ajrakh textiles, as well as the work undertaken by local artisans.
Singh also visited the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) operating under the ‘Chalo Ajrakhpur’ initiative and was briefed on its functioning and role in environmental conservation.
At Bhujodi, a well-known handloom village in Bhuj taluka, the minister met award-winning handloom personalities Dayal Kudeja and Chaman Premji, along with senior weaver Vishram Valji.
He learnt about traditional weaving techniques, the region’s craft heritage and the contribution of local weavers to preserving the handloom tradition.
During the visit, Singh also toured the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum in Bhuj, which preserves the memories of the devastating 2001 earthquake. He paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the disaster.
The visit comes amid efforts to strengthen the handicrafts sector through improved market connections, design innovation, skill development and export promotion.
The interactions with artisans and weavers were aimed at understanding their requirements and identifying opportunities to make Kutch’s traditional crafts more accessible to domestic and international buyers.
–IANS
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