New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS): The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) is organising its popular ‘Hunar Haat at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) that would kick off at Pragati Maidan here on Wednesday.

The Haat would be inaugurated by Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday.

Artisans from across India set up stalls showcasing their wares at the Hunar Haat which is fully funded by the government.

Naqvi told reporters that the Hunar Haats, which are organised across the country by the Minority Affairs Ministry, have proved to be "empowerment and employment exchange platforms" for master artisans and craftsmen.

"Our purpose behind this endeavour is to provide market and opportunity to master artisans and craftsmen which include a large number of women," he said.

"During the last one year, the Hunar Haat initiative has provided employment and opportunities to more than 1.50 lakh persons including artisans and other people associated with them. Our target is to provide employment to about 5 lakh people through this," Naqvi said.

At Hunar Haat, the visitors will get to see exquisite pieces of handicraft and handloom products like ajarakh, bagh print, bandhej, Barmer ajrakh and applique, bidriware, cane and bamboo products, carpet, chanderi, chaniya choli, chikankari, copper bell product, copperware, ceramic products and gota patti.

Products such as jute craft, lac stone studded bangles, lacquerware, linen products, metalware, mud work, mulberry silk, paithani silk, phulkari, Punjabi jutti, zari bags etc will also be available, the MoMA said in a release.

"For the first time, products from Chhattisgarh and namda and chinnon silk of Jammu and Kashmir will also be available at this Hunar Haat," it said.