Mumbai, Oct. 7 -- The recent GST reforms ease taxes, boosting demand and jobs. In Punjab, where agriculture and textiles thrive, they make goods more affordable and exports stronger, supporting artisans creating phulkari, shawls and cotton kurtas.

Phulkari is a Geographical Indication tagged craft predominantly practiced in Amritsar and Patiala, is sustained largely by women-led artisan households which find a strong market among ethnic wear labels, bridal boutiques and handicraft exporters. Beyond domestic demand, Phulkari has carved a niche in global markets such as the US, Canada and the UK where it is highly valued for its cultural and aesthetic appeal.

Small-scale weavers and textile cooperatives in Ludhiana and Amritsar are the ba...