New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) Union Minister of Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday said traditional handicrafts can be patronised by paying special attention to its packaging.
While addressing media on the 26th edition of the ongoing Hunar Haat here, the Minister said that the products of the artisans are excellent but lacks proper packaging.
"Since packaging plays an extremely important role in marketing, we want to give a professional touch to the packaging. Our ministry is collaborating with our knowledge partners in this regard."
Assistant Director, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) Rahul Tirpude explained how the Ministry of Minority affairs is aiming to improve packaging of the traditional products.
"My organization IIP is the knowledge partner of the Ministry of Minority Affairs in their 'Ustad' project. We are imparting training to the artisans regarding packaging. We create packaging material that are not only appealing but also contain information about the products to aware the public and create a market. The packaging material can also be used as folders or decoration items at their homes. We would subsequently guide them on manufacturing packaging material as well."
The Hunar Hast started off on February 20 and would conclude on March 1. The current edition is seeing participation by more than 600 craftsman and artisans from more than 31 states and union territories.
Expressing satisfaction over the public participation, the Minister said, 'The public response to the event has been positive. Till today 12 lakh people have visited this edition of the Hunar Haat, we expect 16 lakh visitors by the time it ends on March 1. The Haat is a platform not only for artisans to display their products but it is a place where artists- both established and budding perform. Yesterday Sudesh Bhosle ji held a concert, Kailash Kher would be performing this evening."
The Minister spelled out the future plans regarding the event. "We wish to complete 75 editions of the Hunar Haat and provide employment opportunities to to more than 7.5 lakh artisans by the time we celebrate our 75th Independence Day. Next Hunar Haat would be held at Bhopal from March 12 to March 21, while the one
following it would be held from March 25 to April 4 in Kota Rajasthan.
Surat will hold The third, following one would be held from April 9 to April 18 at Surat."
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