According to data from the directorate general of commercial intelligence and statistics, exports of handicrafts including hand knotted carpets have been rising for the last three years. In 2006-07, the export value was Rs20,963 crore, up from Rs19,267.65 crore in the previous year and Rs18,567.76 crore in 2004-05.

In response to a query, minister of state for textiles E V K S Elangovan, informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply about the steps taken or being taken to promote exports of handlooms and handicrafts from the country including tribal area.

These steps include:

(i) The Handloom Export Promotion Council has been conducting various awareness seminars / workshops regularly in important weaving centres of the country where subjects such as technological development on handloom weaving for productivity and product diversification, export documentation and procedures, identifying and remedying common dyeing defects in handloom fabrics, concept of handloom designs and colour combination etc, are dealt with.

(ii) Participation in international fairs and exhibitions.

(iii) The Handloom Export Scheme has provided assistance to the handloom agencies in developing diversified range of handloom products and international marketing

(iv) In order to establish a distinct identity, genuineness and quality of handloom products, the ''handloom mark scheme'' was been introduced on 28 June, 2006.

(v) The steps taken by the office of the development commissioner for handicrafts to boost exports of handicrafts in the country including the tribal areas include organising product development programme; technological up gradation; infrastructure development; aggressive international marketing; themes specific fairs; promotion of brand image and organising sourcing shows, etc.

Major countries where handicraft items have been exported during each of the last three years:

Foreign exchange earned during 2004-05 to 2006-07 are as under: