*Colourful handloom products at Haryana Pavilion are a centre of attraction at int’l trade fair in New Delhi*

Colourful handloom products at Haryana Pavilion are a centre of attraction at int’l trade fair in New Delhi

24/11/2024 | Public Times Bureau | Haryana

Plastic products are often seen in homes but now the handloom industry is working to give an alternative. Instead of plastic, handloom bags, baskets, sling purses, jewelry boxes, chapati boxes, wall hangings and hand bags are seen in an attractive form at the stall of Print Shop in Haryana Pavilion at the 43rd India International Trade Fair being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Deepak Kumar, a resident of Panipat and operator of the Print Shop stall in the Haryana Pavilion, said he had no knowledge about handicrafts five years ago. He set up a small unit in Panipat with his relative. From the very beginning, he decided to make handmade products.

Deepak said his approach has always been of self-employment. Though the unit was small, the target was set high and now he is moving ahead with the same target. More than 25 people have got employment from his unit. While 70 per cent of the work is done by hand, 30 per cent is done by machines, and all the hand weaving and embroidery work is done by women. This has also provided employment to the women of surrounding areas.

*‘Got encouragement from Surajkund Fair'*

Deepak said he has set up a stall for the first time in the India International Trade Fair. He has been setting up a stall in Surajkund Fair from where he has got a good business and recognition. He said big fairs like these promote industries.

*‘Inclination towards plastic has reduced’*

Deepak said plastic is not nature-friendly and disturbs the ecological balance. Gradually, awareness is increasing on not using plastic and as an alternative, people have started using items made of cloth. This is strengthening the handloom business. He said products made of cloth are better than cheap plastic. Items made from handloom are now also being used as decoration in homes.