Mysuru: Karnataka is known for its exquisite handicrafts world over and the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDC) is in the forefront producing new products and exporting them. The main outlet is popular as ‘Cauvery Emporium’ and this is a unit of Karnataka State Arts and Crafts Emporium.

Minister for Sugar and Small Scale Industries Dr. Geetha Mahadevaprasad inaugurated its 13th outlet in the premises of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo) here yesterday. Speaking after inaugurating the Emporium, she said that the Cauvery Emporium had its outlets already in Mysuru, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Madikeri, Secunderabad and New Delhi. “It is good to see that it is opening one more showroom in the premises of one of the major tourist attractions in the city, the Mysuru Zoo. The Emporium is known for its high quality and genuine products and it is available much cheaper than in other places,” she said.

Earlier, KSHDC Managing Director R.P. Sharma speaking said that the Corporation was providing raw materials like sandalwood, silver and other materials at 50 percent discount to the registered crafts manufacturers. “Last year the Corporation did a turnover of Rs. 51.16 crore and earned a profit of Rs.4.90 crore. However, the business is affected this year due to financial meltdown, demonetisation and GST implementation,” he said.

Hence, efforts are on to market new brand of agarbathis, opening exhibitions in new places and organising Gandhi Shilp Bazaar. Also, customer-friendly online website has been opened, he added.

MLA M.K. Somashekar, ZAK Chairperson Mallikge Veeresh, Zoo Executive Director C.S. Ravishankar, Cauvery Emporium Manager Parashuram, Marketing Manager Sallaudin and others were present.