THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Minister for Industries, Law and Coir P Rajeeve has urged entrepreneurs to fully utilise the emerging market opportunities to strengthen the handicraft sector.
Speaking at the function held here for distribution of the State Handicraft Awards for 2023, the minister emphasised the need for further development in the handicrafts sector and highlighted the importance of strengthening the market.
“Online marketing, especially for products from traditional sectors, should be actively utilised,” he stated. “We must recognise and promote the value of these products, and explore various avenues for market entry.”
To support this initiative, necessary training will be provided for artisans under the guidance of the State Handicrafts Corporation and the Directorate of Industries and Commerce.
The minister also suggested establishing more marketing centres to sell traditional and handicraft products effectively. He noted that tourist centres attracting a significant number of visitors, including international tourists, could serve as valuable outlets for Kerala’s conventional products. Additionally, Rajeeve mentioned that the Union Government is contemplating the use of land along the National Highway for this purpose.
Antony Raju MLA presided over the meeting.
This year’s state awards went to Sasidharan PA (wood sculptures), A Pratap (sculptures made from natural fibres), Bindesh PB (art forms made from reeds and bamboo), Jayakumari ML (picture weaving using string, tape, and kasavu), Selvaraj KA (metal sculptures), Mahesh P (art forms made from bamboo), and Sasikala CP (art forms made from various materials).
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000, a citation, and a sculpture in each of these seven categories.
Sipin CG, Sulaimankutty, Aravindakshan MR, Ashwini SS, Ganesh Subramaniam, Nagappan R, and Rameshan MK were awarded the certificate of merit, which included Rs 10,000 in cash, a citation and a sculpture.
APM Mohammed Hanish, Principal Secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, delivered the keynote address, stating that the government was placing special emphasis on protecting and promoting traditional sectors.
Additional Directors of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Dr KS Kripa Kumar and Rajeev G; Officer on Special Duty, Department of Industries& Commerce, Anie Jula Thomas; Director, Handlooms and Textiles, Anil Kumar KS and Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Lenin Raj KR, spoke.
Since 2015, the Handicraft Awards has been presented to support the development of the handicraft industry in the state, provide essential encouragement to artisans, and recognise outstanding contributions and craftsmanship.
