(a) whether there has been an increase in the export of handicraft products during the current year;
(b) if so, the details in this regard;
(c) the quantum of handicraft products exported during the last three years; and?
(d) the amount of foreign exchange earned from the export thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI BASANAGOUDA R. PATIL (YATNAL)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The export of handicrafts including hand-knotted carpets during the current financial year i.e. 2002-03 (April - October) has increased to Rs.5203.78 crores as against Rs.4428.76 crores registered during the corresponding period in the financial year 2001-2002, thus registering an increase of 17.50%.
(c) & (d): The quantum of handicrafts products including hand-knotted carpets exported in rupees term during the last three years and the amount of foreign exchanged earned therefrom is as under:-
Sl.No. Year Export (Rs. in crores) Export (in US million $)
1. 1999-2002 8105.63 1859.95
2. 2000-2001 9270.50 2050.34
3. 2001-2002 9205.63 1942.54