The ministry of commerce had set a target of Rs 14,000 crore for handicrafts exports for the year 2005-06, a mere two per cent of the world handicrafts trade. To boost handicrafts exports, the ministry has already approved setting up three exclusive special economic zones: one at Greater Noida, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and the other in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The Boranada SEZ, Jodhpur, was notified in 2003 and the foundation stone was also laid. The SEZ is coming up on an area of 180.94 acres at a project cost of Rs 23.12 crore. 287 plots ranging from 500 to 10,000 sq. m have been planned. RIICO, the state agency implementing the projects, says the response is good and 150-200 units are likely to come up at Jodhpur. "On being fully functional the handicrafts SEZ at Boranda and the gem & jewellery SEZ at Jaipur are expected to provide employment to about 2,500 people," according to RIICO.

— M.C. Vaijayanthi