The Hindu Business Line : AP Handicrafts development corpn to double Lepakshi showrooms

THE Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (APHDC) is planning to double the number of its showrooms, from 17 to 34, and take up sales promotion drive.

At a press meet here on Thursday, Mr B. Anjan Babu, new Chairman of the corporation, said the APHDC would focus on creating demand for the products of artisans in the State, across the country and abroad too. "As many as 1.5 lakh artisans are dependent on the corporation and my endeavour will be to create a market for their art pieces,'' he said.

He said there are at present 17 Lepakshi showrooms in the country, 11 of them in the State, and the number would be doubled. "We are planning to set up showrooms at Kakinada, Khammam, Nellore and Araku (Visakhapatnam district). A second showroom will be set up in New Delhi and the showrooms in Chennai and Bangalore, which were closed during the TDP rule, will be revived,'' he said.

The market potential in Punjab, Gujarat and other northern States was being studied in order to set up more showrooms. In 2004-2005, 70 exhibitions had been conducted by the corporation and this year the number would touch the 100 mark.

Mr Babu said the corporation would try to promote the Lepakshi brand abroad and for that purpose the Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, New Delhi, had been requested to allow the corporation officials to undertake more trips abroad.

During 2004-2005, the corporation could achieve sales turnover of Rs 34 crore and a profit of Rs 1 crore. "Our aim is to take the turnover to Rs 50 crore,'' he said.

Referring to the problem of raw material scarcity faced by artisans in the State, he said steps were being initiated to solve the problem.

"At Bobbili in Vizianagaram district, for instance, the artisans are facing wood shortage in manufacturing veenas, as there are not many jack trees. The district collector of Vizianagaram has agreed to prepare plans for raising jack trees on 200 acres for the purpose,'' he said.

At Etikoppaka village in Visakhapatnam district, known for its beautiful toys, the artisans were being supplied power at a subsidised rate of Rs 1.25 per unit. But there was usually no power during daytime and the production in the cottage units was being hit.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Child-care lounge at Sathyam Cinemas

Nooyi sees a `Good for you' Pepsi

New Liril ads turn off waterfall, to focus on intimate moments

What's the babble on baby oil

Wellness segment poised for big leap: Amway chief

AP Handicrafts development corpn to double Lepakshi showrooms

Used market expected to outpace new car market

Our contract manufacturer will respond to FDA notice: Wipro

Loans against warehouse receipts for farmers — Corpn Bank ties up with MCX

Easy Bill plans public issue