Govt to extend all support to carpet industry, says Tamta

New Delhi: In a move aimed at giving a push to carpet industry, Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta on Thursday said that the government was in process to eliminate the stumbling blocks in production and export of carpet and was committed to extend all support to the carpet industry in the country to establish India made carpets a global brand.

While talking to mediapersons after inaugurating the 35th edition of India Carpet Expo, Tamta said that the carpet industry was registering an annual average growth of 10 per cent and the country aims to achieve a target of 50 per cent share in the global market. Currently, India has around 35 per cent share in international carpet market.

The minister further said, "It's the outcome of the efforts of the Indian carpet manufacturers and weavers (the majority of them being women) that China has been left much behind India in the sector and was importing carpets from India.

To a question on a comparatively low consumption of carpets in the domestic market, the Minister said that his ministry was working out on a module including the launch of a portal that will enable domestic buyers to purchase carpets directly from the manufacturers.

"It will eliminate middlemen in the business and in turn will make the product available at cheaper rates," he said.

While talking to Millennium Post, CEPC Chairman MP Sharma said, "The expo would envisage a business generation of Rs 300 - Rs 400 crore and also potential enquires worth Rs 800- Rs 1000 crore in view of China's growing interest in import of India carpets.

On the occasion, CEPC Executive Director Sanjay Kumar said, "The expo would open floodgates of opportunities for indigenous carpet manufactures, weavers and all other stakeholders. Our carpets are of best quality which has been acknowledged by many countries and I'm confident that the day would come soon, when our carpets would find a place in every country."

The Carpet Expo, organized by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), is aimed at promoting the cultural heritage and weaving skills of Indian hand-made carpets and other floor coverings amongst the visiting overseas carpet buyers.

The three-day Expo is the largest handmade carpet fairs in Asia subcontinent. Around 260 exhibitors are displaying their products in the show. Around 350 carpet importers from 60 countries are attending the show.

On the occasion, J&K Finance Minister Haseeb Ahmed Drabu and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Shantmanu also shared their views.