The Jharkhand Silk Textile and Handicraft Development Corporation (Jharcraft), an undertaking of the Jharkhand industry department, is widening its market in the southern region of the country.

Jharcraft, formed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas, based on sericulture, handloom, handicraft and other allied activities started a three-day handloom and handicraft expo in Chennai on Saturday.

“In recent years it is the first such solo exhibition organised by Jharcraft. In 2012-13 we had organised a similar exhibition in Chennai. In coming times we will be hosting similar exhibitions in different big cities of the country in order to provide a market to our rural artisans. We already have our outlets in various big cities,” said Jitender Singh, the secretary of the industry department, Jharkhand.

“Jharkhand is a stronghold of handicrafts men and Jharcraft is making efforts to provide a platform to the rich cultural heritage and artists there. On the inaugural day we have a good response,” Singh added.

The expo will conclude on September 16 and stalls related to handicrafts and artifacts of Jharkhand have been set up as well. In addition, stalls related to handicrafts and art culture in other states such as Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have also been set up.