KATHMANDU, June 13: Nepal has exported handicrafts worth Rs 3.27 billion. According to information provided by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), Nepal exported handicrafts worth more than Rs 3 billion by May 28 of the current Fiscal Year (FY).
Uttam Prasad Devkota, Executive Director of FHAN, mentioned that felt handicrafts alone accounted for Rs 1.283 billion of these exports till May 28. He highlighted that Nepal continues to export a diverse range of products including Allo, bamboo products, pottery items, bone and ceramic products, leather goods, glassware, Dhaka fabric, silk, incense, carpets, metalwork, textiles, paintings, paper products, woolens, silver jewelry, wooden crafts, and woolen blankets.
In the current fiscal year, metal handicrafts valued at Rs 901.8 million, woolen products at Rs 195.3 million, Nepali paper goods at Rs 185.3 million, and pearl items at Rs 160.42 million have been exported. Additionally, exports included wood products worth Rs 87.76 million, cotton products worth Rs 56.27 million, glass handicrafts worth Rs 43.43 million, and Nepali incense products worth Rs 33.93 million.
Devkota said that Nepal's exports of handicraft materials such as Allo, bamboo, Dhaka fabric, hemp fabric, leather goods, pashmina fabric, plastic products, silk, silver, and clay items are substantial. These locally crafted products are exported to various countries including neighboring India and China, the United States, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and others.
FHAN has reported an increasing demand abroad for new handicraft items compared to traditional crafts like woodwork, metalwork, and pottery. Newer items including natural fibers, silk products, and items made from Bodhi chitta like Mala (string of beads) have high demand.