India has been witnessing a steady rise in the export of handmade carpets and floor coverings since last three years. Carpet exports increased form Rs 7108.31 crore in FY13-14 to Rs 8441.95 crore in FY14-15, and then to Rs 9481.36 crore in FY15-16. In the ongoing financial year 2016-17, carpet exports have already touched Rs 5786.85 crore till October.
The data on India’s carpet exports was given by Union textiles minister Smriti Irani in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha last week. The minister said that the ministry does not maintain state/UT wise export statistics.
The government is implementing various schemes to improve the exports of handmade carpets and other floor coverings. These include 5 per cent Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) Scrip on exports of handmade carpets and other floor coverings.
In order to increase manufacturing and exports of the carpet industry, government is planning to establish mega clusters in Bhadohi-Mirzapur and Srinagar. It also intends to set up Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) at Bhadohi.
In a bid to boost the exports of the carpet industry, the government announced 3 per cent interest equalisation scheme on pre and post shipment rupee export credit with effect from April 1, 2015 for five years.
Under Market Development Assistance (MDA) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) schemes of the department of commerce, the government provides financial assistance to the carpet industry for participation in fairs, exhibitions and buyer-seller meets in India and abroad. Support is provided for market study, branding, involvement in social and welfare programmes among others through Marketing Support and Service Scheme.
Meanwhile, the government is imparting skill development training for carpet weaving and providing financial aid for functioning of carpet weaving training centres in the areas of Bhadohi-Varanasi-Mirzapur. Stipend is also given to the trainees.
The carpet manufacturers and exporters are also benefitting with the refund of excise and custom duties paid on import through duty drawback channel.
Source: fibre2fashion.com