New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) Handicraft exports have seen a substantial rise in recent years from Rs 26212.29 crores in 2013-14 to Rs 31516.92 crores for April 2016 to February 2017, but the Government is trying to counter the stiff competition faced by the handicrafts sector and enable it to compete with machine-made products. The Government has initiated a slew of steps to boost and strengthen the handicrafts sector, which includes handmade carpets, to enable it to compete with machine-made products. Under the new textiles policy formulated by the Government last year, focus will be on a three-pronged approach to boost the growth of the Indian handicraft sector, which is facing tough competition from international players. According to sources, the approach involves incentivising expansion of production base for quality manufacturing of handicraft products used for interior decoration and lifestyle purposes. The focus of the Textiles Ministry is on promoting premium handicraft products for the niche market along with preservation and protection of heritage and endangered crafts and is targetting 300 billion U S dollars textiles exports by 2024-25 and creation of additional 35 million jobs. Market Development Assistance (MDA) Grant and Market Access Initiative (MAI) Assistance is being provided by the Government for participation in fairs and exhibitions/Reverse/Buyer-Seller Meets in India & abroad. In addition, assistance is being provided for marketing study, branding/International publicity, participation in Fairs & Exhibitions, Buyer-Seller Meet in India & abroad etc. through Marketing and other Schemes. MORE UNI SD AKC RJ ADG 1009