Lepakshi expo begins

The Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited, which operates with the trade name "� Lepakshi, launched yet another edition of 'Craft Bazaar' here on Wednesday.

The bazaar, to be held till September 23, would see the participation of about 150 artisans pursuing various crafts and representing different states from all over the country, who will exhibit and sell their products directly to the customers.

Addressing mediapersons, B Jayaraj, managing director of Lepakshi, said that the Craft Bazaar was being held for the past five years and had received tremendous response.

The corporation achieved a total sales turnover of Rs 10.5 crore from 70 exhibitions in 2004-05 as compared to Rs 8.08 crore from 67 exhibitions in 2003-04, he said.

The corporation operates through a network of 13 sales emporia and markets the products of over 2,00,000 artisans. Lepakshi recorded a total sales turnover of Rs 36.18 crore in 2004-05 as compared to Rs 30 crore in the previous year.

A live demonstration in selected crafts such as Bidri work and Etikoppaka toys has also been organised. The Craft Bazaar is sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.