Panaji, March 28: Various government-funded agencies and NGOs are working together to revive the handicrafts sector in Goa, and to link it with the tourism industry.
“One third population of Goa is dependent on tourism. Handicrafts are a very important component of hospitality industry. Many joint efforts are being planned to promote both in Goa,” state tourism director Swapnil Naik said.
The South Asia Foundation (SAF), a non-profit organisation, along with state government”s Goa Handicraft Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC), is working on several initiatives to establish a market for Goan handicraft items.
SAF”s Jitendra Deshprabhu said the efforts were on to set up `Goa Crafts Village” at Pernem taluka.
“This would be a unique crafts village, only of its kind in south Asia. Almost 200-250 artisans would be provided with residence-cum-workshed structures here,” he said.
Deshprabhu said space would also be provided for artisans from other South Asian nations.
South Asia Foundation has decided to join hands with Delhi-based National Institute of Fashion Designing for skill upgradation of local artisans.
GHRSSIDC Chairman Sameer Salgaocar said that a `Shipgram” was being planned near Panaji, on the same lines.
Goa Industry, Trade and Commerce Director Sanjit Rodrigues said that a `Handicraft Sourcing Hub” was being planned at Fatorda, a suburb near Margao town.
——–PTI