The grand platform was inaugurated by Minister Gajendra Singh with sustainable handicrafts and modern lifestyle products, welcoming domestic volumes and retail sales.
Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday inaugurated the first edition of Handicrafts Expo Jodhpur-2025, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) from January 23 to 26, 2025 at the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) at Boranada in Jodhpur.
In the program, Minister Gajendra Singh said that today the historical and cultural heritage is getting a new identity. This important initiative will not only strengthen the local economy, but Jodhpur’s handicrafts will also get a new identity at the global level.
Minister Gajendra Singh said that 50% of the total handicraft manufacturing in Rajasthan comes from Jodhpur, which is a testimony to the talent and hard work of this city. Shri Shekhawat informed that this industry has been given a new identity as “Orange Economy” which generates the highest employment after agriculture sector. Today, the identity of Jodhpur is made up of its handicrafts, and this identity will be even stronger in the future.
Gajendra Singh said that the changes that have taken place in the country in the last ten years are a matter of pride for every Indian. Today, the acceptance of every item exported from India is increasing rapidly all over the world, which is a golden opportunity for us. He informed that in the last ten years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, more than 30 crore people in India have risen above the poverty line. This change is not only a sign of our economic progress but also a reflection of the strength of our social fabric.
He emphasized on this occasion that we all have to work together to further encourage the handicraft industry of Jodhpur. Minister Gajendra Singh said that dedicated efforts are needed to give Jodhpur a global identity and make it a center of employment and economic prosperity.
Minister Gajendra Singh said that we are standing at the doorstep of possibilities from where we can challenge the whole world. This is the time that we should take Jodhpur and Rajasthan to new heights of development with our collective efforts.
The ceremony was attended by COA EPCH members Mr. Hansraj Baheti and Mr. Ravi K. Pasi, prominent member exporters Mr. Nirmal Bhandari, Mr. Radhey Shyam Ranga, Mr. D Kumar, Mr. Ghanshyam Ojha, Mr. Lekhraj Maheshwari, EPCH Executive Director Mr. R.K. Verma and members from Jodhpur and Jaipur region.
The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a premier agency engaged in promoting export of handicrafts from the country and creating a brand image of magic in the hands of lakhs of artisans and craftsmen engaged in the production of Home, Lifestyle, Textile, Furniture, Fashion Jewellery and Accessories in craft clusters across the country. Shri R.K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH informed that the total export of handicrafts during 2023-24 was Rs. 32,759 crore (US $3,956 million). He also informed that during the year 2023-24, the total export of woodware was done to the tune of Rs. 8038.17 crore, in which Jodhpur had a share of 28.19%.