NIFT conducts project to boost domestic handicraft
07 Mar '06
2 min read
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) has been promoting local crafts by educating artisans about new trends and modern technology.
There is a great demand for Indian handicrafts and textiles in international markets, yet artisans live in poverty.
Reason for their state is craftsmen are not updated with the latest trends and fashions and are unaware of latest market demands.
NIFT has been working in five regions; Surendranagar, Hampi, Shantiniketan, Kozhikode and Dhar near Indore, engaging over 2000 artisans and imparting knowledge about innovative skills and effective marketing strategies.
Director General Gauri Kumar says that the project aims at involving students in every aspect of the value chain and offer requisite exposure to the weavers in the field.
This Cluster Development Initiative is a Rs3 crore project under the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna.
Innovative products developed from this student-artisan venture — Surendranagar's single ikkat and tangalia textiles, unique textures and colours, Dhar brassware in various non-traditional shapes and so on — were exhibited at the international conference of Art of Living in Bangalore in February.
Kumar informs that each item was priced between Rs500-600 and products worth Rs2 lakh were sold at this event.
NIFT, based at New Delhi, is a pioneer in envisioning, evolving and disseminating fashion business education in the country.
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