Exports Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in its budget expectations said input costs for exporters have risen sharply in the past year. It said because of higher costs, exports are becoming uncompetitive.
In fact, many states like Uttar Pradesh are already giving subsidies for freight movement as expenses for it have doubled in past 18 months.
Common facility centres, testing labs and raw material banks are other crucial links that hold key to building a facilitating ecosystem. But they need financial assistance.
Rajasthan is one of the leading handicraft exporting states in the country contributing to around Rs 8,000 crore (30% of the total exports of handicrafts). It is known for traditional and colourful art. The block prints, tie and die, Bagru and Sanger prints, handicraft items, wooden furniture, carpets, and blue potteries attract buyers from all across the globe.