State artisans to gain global footing through govt push

Addressing the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Trade Expo–2025 at Paddal Ground, Mandi, Industries, Labour and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the state government is taking concrete steps to take Himachal’s traditional handloom and handicrafts to national and international platforms.

Organised under the Ministry of MSME’s Procurement and Marketing Support (PMS) Scheme, the expo is aimed at empowering local artisans and promote indigenous crafts.

“The government is committed to providing rural artisans and craftsmen with a stage where their products can be recognised beyond village boundaries, both in national and global markets,” Chauhan said. He emphasised that such exhibitions offer artisans “free platforms to showcase and sell their unique traditional items, leading to direct financial benefits.”

Chauhan underlined the need to integrate tourism with rural development by encouraging tourists to visit villages and purchase authentic Himachali products. “This will boost the local economy and ensure the sustainability of traditional crafts,” he said.

Highlighting growing interest in Himachali culture and design, Chauhan cited the state’s recent participation in a major trade fair with 28 stalls, where business worth Rs 8,000–10,000 crore was generated. He also mentioned the fashion show of Himachali attire held at Delhi Haat as a reflection of “strong national recognition of Himachal’s unique crafts.”

To enhance global competitiveness, the government is providing artisans with training in modern design, quality control and international market standards. Given the limited domestic demand for woollen products, Chauhan stressed the importance of aligning Himachali items with global consumer trends.

Looking ahead, he said efforts are underway to bring together small, scattered handloom and handicraft groups into cluster models. “This will help scale up production, cut transportation costs, and improve marketing,” he said. The goal is to establish Himachali crafts as “commercial brands known for quality and heritage.”

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Chander Shekhar, former CPS Sohan Lal Thakur, APMC Mandi chairperson Sanjeev Guleria, officials from MSME and members of the district administration.

The expo served as a vital platform to empower artisans and promote Himachal’s cultural economy, with a clear focus on making it globally competitive and sustainable.

Himachal Tribune