Imphal, February 24: Government is studying to market more craft products of the State to foreign countries.

Despite having various achievements, State craft products are not that popular in foreign markets due to limited designs and frail quality, said Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary P C Lawmkunga at the closing function of the Puthiba Crafts Bazar at Hapta Kangjeibung today.

Government representatives are sending to countries like Japan and Germany to explore new markets, he added.

The Principal Secretary graced the function as chief guest with Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Y Thamkeshore presiding over and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Assistant Director A Sahadev as guest of honour.

Echoing the same view with Lawmkunga, Thamkeshore mentioned the need of value addition and innovative designs while appealing the crafts persons to produce crafts with more utility value.

Speaking on the occasion, Sahadev detailed in various schemes and benefits provided for crafts persons by the State and Central Governments.

S Pelendra got the first prize in the Live Competition section, while Sh Boy and Prabhat Saikia bagged the top prizes in the Display and Sales sections respectively in the mela which took part by 150 stalls.

10 stalls from outside the state also took part in the mela, which was organised by the Khurai Puthiba Leikai Handloom and Handicrafts Co-Op Society Ltd under the sponsorship of Central Government's Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).

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