Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Despite geopolitical tensions in <keyword id="19897269" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="europe" source="keywords">Europe</keyword> and the <keyword id="19904316" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="middle-east" source="keywords">Middle East</keyword>, <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="20631272" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="merchandise-exports" source="keywords">merchandise exports</keyword> grew by 5.8% to $109.96 billion compared to $103.9 billion in the same period last year, according to a CRISIL report. The report states that the deceleration in the growth momentum of exports in June compared to May was largely due to an 18.2% contraction in oil exports. The growth momentum slowed down in June, with merchandise exports increasing by only 2.6% year-on-year, down from 9.1% in May. Non-oil exports continued to maintain steady growth, rising by 7.7% in June, almost in line with the 7.8% growth recorded in May. Services exports exhibited a strong performance in June, contributing positively to the overall trade scenario. The positive aspect is that merchandise imports grew at a slower pace of 5% year-on-year in June, down from 7.7% in May. However, core imports, excluding oil and gold, surged by 7.1%, increasing from the 0.8% growth in the previous month. This spike in core imports was partially driven by a low base effect from the previous year. Despite the positive growth in exports, the <keyword id="20201391" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="trade-deficit" source="keywords">trade deficit</keyword> widened to $21 billion in June from $19.2 billion in the same month last year. For the first quarter, cumulative imports rose by 7.7% to $172.4 billion from $160 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $62.44 billion, up from $56.1 billion. This widening deficit was mainly due to a higher oil trade deficit, while the non-oil trade deficit narrowed. Services exports were a bright spot, increasing by 10.2% year-on-year to $29.76 billion in May. On the other hand, service import growth moderated to 5.4%, down from 19.1% in the previous month. Consequently, the services trade surplus expanded to $13.02 billion, up from $11.1 billion in May last year. Oil exports fell by 18.3% year-on-year and 18.5% month-on-month in June, despite stable international prices. This suggests a reduction in export volumes, with exports falling to $5.5 billion from $6.8 billion in June last year and the previous month. Oil imports increased by 19.6% in June compared to 28% in May, driven by domestic demand and local refineries operating above capacity. Sectors such as drugs and pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, organic and inorganic chemicals, and ready-made garments showed positive growth. However, pharmaceuticals (9.9% vs. 10.5%) and ready-made garments (3.7% vs. 9.8%) saw slower growth compared to May. Gems and jewellery exports continued to decline, marking the seventh consecutive month of negative growth at -1.4% year-on-year. Growth in carpets, handloom products, man-made products, plastics, and linoleum was positive but slower than the previous month. Handmade carpets (-16.6% vs. 20.6%), jute manufacturing (-11.1% vs. -5.2%), and leather products (-2.2% vs -2.1%) recorded contractions. Cashew exports have been declining since 2018, with only sporadic months of positive growth. In June, cashew exports fell by 7.3%, an improvement from the 25.8% decline in May. Coffee (70% vs. 64.2%), fruits and vegetables (7% vs. 20.8%), rice (1% vs. 2.8%), spices (9.8%vs. 20.3%), tea (3.2% vs. 19.6%), and tobacco (37.7% vs. 58.4%) saw slower growth compared to May. Marine products (-7.7% vs. -3.9%) and meat, dairy, and poultry products (-13.9% vs. 22.9%) also experienced a decline. Increases were noted in electronic goods (15.9% vs. 6.7%), fruits and vegetables (22.6% vs. 3%), non-ferrous metals (47.6% vs. 1.1%), project goods (31.4% vs. -44.3%), textiles and yarn fabric made-up articles (23.8% vs. -1.1%), and wood products (16.2% vs. -7.2%). The fiscal year has started positively with steady merchandise export growth in the first quarter. Encouragingly, multilateral organisations have forecasted better year-on-year trade growth. The Indian government's focus on foreign trade agreements (FTAs) is expected to further boost trade. However, the persistent growth in imports surpassing exports is a concern, widening the trade deficit. The recent US tariff hikes on Chinese imports could lead to potential dumping by China in the Asian market, including India, which requires close monitoring. Despite these challenges, the expected moderation in domestic growth may help contain import growth and the trade deficit. The service trade surplus and robust remittance flows are positive indicators that the current account will remain stable.

Indian exports show resilience amid global challenges in first quarter, says CRISIL report

<ul><li><keyword id="357923" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Yogesh-Chaudhary">Yogesh Chaudhary</keyword>, Director, <keyword id="913970" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jaipur-Rugs">Jaipur Rugs</keyword> shares his plans on spending the earmarked Rs 4.5 crore on marketing.</li><li>He further shares with us how the organisation has supported underprivileged women and helped them become self-reliant since 1978.</li></ul>India is currently a leader in the production of <keyword id="455352" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="handmade-carpets">handmade carpets</keyword> and 90% of the carpets are exported from our country. However, a systemic practice of oppression through caste discrimination has been followed in our country for a very long time. Rugs and woven carpets are made by local artisans in rural India, who often do not get their due credit or even the right remuneration for their art and work. Jaipur Rug, a handwoven carpet brand, was founded by Nand Kishore Chaudhary at a time when the practices of the Indian caste system were extremely rigid and upper-class men working with Dalit women was frowned upon (openly). He was on a mission to help rural and tribal women become independent and get recognised for their talent. He started his business with two looms and nine artisans. It is now a social business that connects rural craftsmanship with global markets. He has impacted the lives of 40,000 rural artisans spread across villages in North and West India. Over 80% of the artisans are women and about 7,000 tribals. He successfully built a profitable business by exporting handmade carpets by these artisans and its biggest market today is the US. <div type="image" title="JAIPUR_RUGS_Artisants_AW8I3784" msid="82178763" hostid="261"></div> Sharing how it all started, Yogesh Chaudhary, Director of Jaipur Rugs said, “ Back then, the practices of the Indian caste system were rigid, and the weaving community was considered ‘untouchable.’ Nand Kishore Chaudhar had to work against the system to realise his dream. His family frowned, while he enjoyed working with the weavers and sharing daily meals with them. Through his effortless connection with the rural communities, he quickly gained trust and began bringing livelihood opportunities to more and more underprivileged households. In a few years, he moved to Gujarat and spent nine years training more than 2500 people from the tribal community. Today, the modern and eclectic collection of rugs are retailed across three stores in India and exported to more than 65 countries.” Jaipur Rugs clocked an export revenue of about ₹5 crore in the first year of its operations. The company today works with a number of ethnically diverse communities spread across 600 villages in five states that lie in some of the most impoverished regions of India. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 451.276pt;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#6d9eeb;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Revenue/profit (In INR crore) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#6d9eeb;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY15 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">137 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY16 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">153 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY17 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">133 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY18 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">125 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY19 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">155 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">FY20 (till Dec) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">125 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"></td></tr></tbody></table> Due to COVID, people have been stuck at home and the carpet market is picking up again. Jaipur Rugs has earmarked Rs 4.5 crore for marketing this year. It would spend most of its marketing monnies on digital media. “We are bullish because Covid has led to an increase in homeownership and renovations. People are spending a lot more time at home and they want it to reflect their personality and positivity. We plan to spend a lot of it on social media and several digital and physical exhibitions and events. We have a number of unique collaborations in the coming year,” said Chaudhary. According to IBEF, India is responsible for around 40% of worldwide export of handmade carpets. Export of carpets from India stood at US$ 1.37 billion in FY20, while that of handicrafts excluding handmade carpets reached US$ 1.79 billion during the same period. The total carpet export was $ 893.99 million between April and November 2020 and for handicrafts excluding handmade carpets, it was US$ 989.92 million. The Indian carpets and rugs market is highly competitive and fragmented in nature. There are over 2000 manufacturers present in the market. On what helps Jaipur Rugs stand out in this huge market, Chaudhary said, “We have a powerful story as a brand. In addition to that, we also offer the largest variety in terms of designs and price points to our clientele making it convenient for them to shop at one place.” This year, it would focus on digital marketing and opening a physical store in Bengaluru and an experience centre in Jaipur. Based on this strong marketing and expansion plan, the company is aiming to grow by 15%. “We are looking at a growth of about 15% for FY22. We retail out of four stores in Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai and have a significant digital audience. We are looking to expand both physically and digitally to take our existing audience base up by 10X. Apart from that, our focus this year is to do a lot of internal improvements in the business. We are taking a hard look at the underlying philosophy of your business and not just its mechanics. There is a clear purpose that our business has. A gap in the market that we fill. We are focusing on that to make informed changes for the next phase of growth,” said Chaudhary.

Meet Jaipur Rugs, an organisation that is empowering marginalised women in Rajasthan and exporting its local rugs to 65 countries

<ul><li>India’s hand-crafted carpets and floor coverings are popular with overseas and domestic buyers — but has stagnated in the last five years. </li><li>India added an average of ₹115.4 billion in exports to handmade carpet and flooring exports since 2014. </li><li>The handmade carpet industry employs over 2 million workers and artisans, majorly women from rural India. </li><li>The Indian government has launched the 38th India <keyword id="1414211" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Carpet-expo">Carpet Expo</keyword> — which will see as many as 400 overseas buyers from 50 countries.</li></ul>Indian hand-crafted carpets and floor coverings which are popular globally, has stagnated in the last five years. India exports almost 90% of its total carpets made — bringing in about $1.8 billion in foreign exchange every year. However, the exports <a href="https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=193712">flatlined in the last five years</a>. 
 
 
 
 <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Image"><cdata><![CDATA[
<div class="flourish-embed" data-src="visualisation/762695"></div>
]]></cdata></div>







 There is a slowdown in consumption even across developed countries and handmade carpets that India exports is considered a discretionary item for most buyers in any country. Broadly, India exports handmade carpets to over 70 countries including China, USA, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. “India has 35% share in the global carpet export. We are working towards increasing it to 50% in the near future” CEPC executive director Sanjay Kumar <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/varanasi/38th-india-carpet-expo-400-importers-from-50-countries-in-varanasi-from-today/story-szYAuGARbUGxrsCwdOcroJ.html">told</a> Hindustan Times on Oct 10. The carpets are an important segment of the economy as the industry employs over 2 million workers and artisans, majorly women from rural India. Therefore, the Indian government wants to double the carpet exports in the next five years but there is little detail as to how it plans to achieve this goal. “We are quite hopeful that India will be exporting carpets worth ₹25,000 crore annually in the next five years,” Kumar added. To ‘discourage imports’ and push demand of handmade carpets, the Indian government has launched the 38th India Carpet Expo — which will see as many as 400 overseas buyers from 50 countries. The mega expo, which will be held between October 11 and 15 is organised by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) of India. According to the government press release, nearly 200 members across India will participate in the expo. States of Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, North East Region of India, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are the primary manufacturing centres for carpets and other floor coverings. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/textile-workers-diamond-polishers-and-others-face-job-losses/articleshow/70977544.cms">The untold crisis to befall India’s artists, artisans and weavers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/supreme-court-ban-on-mines-resulted-in-2-3-million-job-losses-laments-industry-body/articleshow/71270105.cms">Supreme Court ban on mines resulted in 2.3 million job losses — laments industry body</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-believes-that-its-export-duty-rationalization-on-leather-goods-can-create-2-million-jobs/articleshow/71259092.cms">India believes that its export duty rationalization on leather goods can create 2 million jobs</a>

India's carpet industry which employs 2 million people and exports $1.8 billion every year has stagnated in the last five years

Bhadohi, Jun 17 () Carpet exporters are looking to hold a virtual fair in August to attract buyers following the cancellation of the India Carpet Expo scheduled in Delhi in March due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. "There is a proposal to hold a virtual carpet fair from August 21 to August 25. A proposal seeking help in this regard, has been sent to Union Textile Ministry and Union Commerce Ministry, and their nod is awaited," Carpet Export Promotion Council Chairman Siddh Nath Singh told . Singh said that in January-June 2019, exports worth Rs 5,951 crore took place, while the shipments are less than half of that in the same period this year. The India Carpet Expo is one of the largest handmade carpet fairs in Asia which serves as a unique platform for buyers to source the best of handmade carpets, rugs and other floor coverings under one roof. It is held bi-annually to showcase the cultural heritage of Indian handmade carpets and other floor coverings and promote the weaving skills of Indian weavers to visiting overseas carpet buyers. The Carpet Export Promotion Council organises the fair in New Delhi (March) and Varanasi (October) every year. The fair is sponsored by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Textiles. Exhibitors from Bhadohi, Varanasi, Panipat, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Jaipur take part in the fair. On March 12, the CEPC informed to all exporters and participants that the 40th India Carpet Expo scheduled to be held from March 28 to March 31 at New Delhi has been postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. CORR NAV MR

Carpet exporters council plans virtual fair amid COVID-19 crisis

The government is in the process of developing a trademark to reinforce India's position as the top source of handmade carpets, while setting standards that would make sure that these products comply with quality benchmarks. The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/Smriti-Iranis-exit-from-HRD-ministry/articleshow/53265717.cms">textile ministry</a>, headed by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/politics/These-are-the-possibilities-why-Smriti-Irani-was-removed-from-education-ministry/articleshow/53075294.cms">Smriti Z Irani</a>, is working on its plan to create a brand for Indian handmade carpets, like Australia's Woolmark, which guarantees the highest quality of wool. Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/ByeByeSmriti-From-Text-to-Textiles-Twitter-is-trolling-Smriti-Irani-after-she-is-dropped-as-education-minister/articleshow/53079444.cms">ByeByeSmriti: From Text to Textiles, Twitter is trolling Smriti Irani after she is dropped as education minister</a> "We are working on a brand... a trademark that will ensure that the products comply with the standards set by the organisation," Mahavir Pratap Sharma, chairman, <keyword id="384466" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Carpet-Export-Promotion-Council">Carpet Export Promotion Council</keyword>, told <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/garments-/-textiles/indian-handmade-carpets-may-get-government-trademark/articleshow/58231235.cms">ET</a>. "We will take two or three years to create parameters on turnover, employment and compliance with effluent treatment norms." India’s handmade rug exports industry stands at around Rs 9,000 crore and is 40% of the global contribution, with Iran, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/topic/china">China</a>, and Nepal being the other key players. While Iran accounts for about 20-25% of total exports, China has about 20%, while Nepal has a 10% share. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/topic/europe">Europe</a> and America, on the other hand, are the chief importers, and take almost 95% of the total imports. The council is also considering establishing training standards so that weavers can meet certification norms. "We want India's handmade carpets to become synchronous with the brand. We want to put it across that handmade carpets can be as per customers' choice, unlike machine-made rugs," he said. (Image source Discovering Chennai)

‘Achhe Din’ for carpet makers! Government planning standards and trademark for indigenous carpets

Srinagar, Jun 22 () To ensure business continuity amidst COVID-19 pandemic, the Handicrafts and Handloom department has urged exporters and businessmen from Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the virtual fairs being organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) in July and August this year. While EPCH is organising the 49th IHGF Delhi Fair, Virtual Edition from July 13 to July 18, the CEPC is holding India Carpet Expo, Virtual Exhibition from August 21 to August 25, an official spokesman said on Monday. The online registration for CEPC Virtual Fair shall close on June 30 and the EPCH has extended the date of filing online applications for interested participants from Jammu and Kashmir till June 26, which otherwise was closed, the spokesman said. "The virtual fairs shall provide a great opportunity to businessmen and exporters to sell their world-famous hand-made products made by the finest craftsmen from Jammu and Kashmir. Virtual trade shows seem to be the only viable solution and marketing tool available to both seller and buyer to meet and interact online, understand each other's requirements and keep the business going," he said. The exporters and businessmen belonging to handicrafts and handloom sector are facing stiff challenges to showcase their products, services and capabilities to potential buyers affecting their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The spokesman said during 2019-20, J&amp;K exported handicraft products worth Rs 935.25 crore, thus generating a sizable foreign exchange. For the 49th IHGF Virtual Fair, EPCH is using technology that will make communication and transacting business between buyers and sellers a pleasurable experience in the age of social distancing, he said. EPCH is inviting overseas buyers representing chain of stores, retailers and e-commerce businesses to connect to the exquisite range of hand-made products being offered by exporters from all over the country. Similarly, for India Carpet Expo, Virtual Exhibition, CEPC aims to restart online business of handmade carpets to cater to the demand of the Indian handmade carpets post-pandemic. It will be the first of its kind initiative to bridge the gap between markets and demand of handmade carpets across the globe, he added. MIJ HDA

Amid COVID-19 crisis, opportunity for exporters in J&K to make use of virtual fairs

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6481131" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="persian">Persian</keyword> rugs can often take years, and sometimes decades to create.</li><li>A high-quality Iranian carpet can cost tens of thousands of dollars.</li><li>The most expensive Persian rug sold at auction in June 2013 for $33.8 million.</li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.Hand woven with the finest materials including wool and silk, a single Persian rug can often take years and sometimes decades to create. A high-quality Iranian carpet can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with antique rugs fetching even higher prices.So, how are Persian rugs made, and why are they <keyword id="9073273" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="so-expensive">so expensive</keyword>?Although several countries are associated with the term "Persian rug," authentic Persian carpets and the traditional methods of producing them originate in <keyword id="41896" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Iran">Iran</keyword>. Every Persian rug is regarded as a piece of art which reflects the history and culture of Iran.There are many varieties of Persian carpet, each distinguished by their materials, patterns, and weaving techniques, from the floral designs of Isfahan in central Iran to the intricate, fine details of Qom carpets and the strong, compact Bidjar rugs from the Western Kurdish village. Gabbeh rugs, made in the Fars province of southwestern Iran, are perhaps the most traditional carpets, characterized by their bold designs.Mohammad Hossein Tumani: "One of the beauties of gabbeh is that you see what is in the weaver's mind. There were times when, for example, a weaver would sit in her backyard, weaving the forests, mountains, plains, fields, and even sheep and the various things she saw. Gabbeh stated from here."Narrator: Traditionally, Persian rugs are made from sheep's wool, which is boiled, spun, and dyed by hand. These bright and elaborate yarns are dyed with natural colorings from plants and insects. In many regions, such as Yazd, hundreds of weavers may work in the same factory at any given time.However, here in Fars Province, where carpet weaving is recognized as part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the materials are distributed to small villages for tribal women to weave in their homes.Mohammad Hossein Tumani: "Depending on the size of the house, each house will have the same size loom. For example, a woman may have a small house, so she should also have a small loom. The difference between Fars carpets, especially gabbeh, and other carpets, which make it difficult to weave is that Fars carpets' looms are placed on the ground. Fars carpets are horizontal. That means the weaver has to work much harder. The weaver's back is in bad condition, and she has to weave the carpet in a curved way and work.Narrator: The process of weaving a Persian rug differs slightly with each variety, but generally speaking, a bed of foundation material called warp is installed into the frame, called the loom. Starting at the bottom, weavers then feed wool in between the warp, tying knots called weft on each one.A highly detailed silk rug can have over 1,000 knots per square inch. However, most carpets are not valued based on knot count, but rather their materials, design, and overall size.Mohammad Hossein Tumani: "The bigger the carpet, the more time it takes, and sometimes the gabbeh or carpets that are so much bigger that one person can no longer weave it alone need four or three people to work together and get it done. For example, if a person wants to weave a 12-meter gabbeh, it may take two years, but because four people start weaving together, it is divided into four, for example, it can be woven in six or seven months. But a person can weave 1 meter of gabbeh for about a month to two months."Narrator: While some varieties of Persian rugs follow design specifications, gabbeh carpets are often completely improvised, with the weaver adding traditional motifs, such as goats, trees, and dolls.Mohammad Hossein Tumani: "There is no formula. You should feel this with your flesh, skin, and bones. They have to know how to weave, knit carpets, knots. Interestingly, someone who weaves a good Qashqai carpet, for example, cannot weave a good Tabriz carpet. Or the one who weaves a superb Tabriz carpet cannot weave a good Isfahan carpet. It is interesting and perhaps funny to know that each area can weave a specific carpet well."Narrator: The origin of these rugs dates back at least 2,500 years ago during the reign of the Persian Empire, which spanned across neighboring countries including what is now known as Turkey. The legacy and tradition of carpet making still remains there. In fact, in 2018, Turkey exported $1.9 billion of hand-woven carpets worldwide, far higher than Iran's total of $35 million. As such, Turkish carpets can sometimes be regarded as authentic Persian rugs.The most expensive Persian rug ever bought was a 17th-century Persian vase-style carpet, which sold at auction in June 2013 in London for $33.8 million.But despite Iran's rich history of producing handmade rugs, the tribal rugs produced in rural villages could be under threat from a lack of young weaving talent.Mohammad Hossein Tumani: "The weaver is the first step. Well, she certainly makes the least profit. There are a lot of middlemen who make money from this carpet. But, yes, the weaver is less profitable considering the art she is doing, so, unfortunately, it is a problem. I can promise you now, with this situation, that maybe in another 15 years or sooner there will be nothing left of the carpet. It is an art that not everyone can learn; they must be growing up with this art. Unfortunately, the young girls, and people who were carpet weavers in tribe houses, they don't spend their time, patience, and senses, and they do not allow themselves to weave a carpet because they saw their mother, how sick they might be, get weak, suffering from back pain and hand pain. Financially, it is not valuable or exciting to want to work so hard to weave a carpet. The carpet will be completely gone in about 15, 20 years."

You Searched For "handmade carpet export" and got 7 results

Indian exports show resilience amid global challenges in first quarter, says CRISIL report

ANI

Meet Jaipur Rugs, an organisation that is empowering marginalised women in Rajasthan and exporting its local rugs to 65 countries

Karuna Sharma

India's carpet industry which employs 2 million people and exports $1.8 billion every year has stagnated in the last five years

Prerna Sindwani

Carpet exporters council plans virtual fair amid COVID-19 crisis

PTI

‘Achhe Din’ for carpet makers! Government planning standards and trademark for indigenous carpets

BI India Bureau

Amid COVID-19 crisis, opportunity for exporters in J&K to make use of virtual fairs

PTI

Why Persian rugs are so expensive

Andy Ash

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides