Title: Handicraft Items one of India’s Greatest Gifts Manufacturers to the World
1Handicraft- one of Indias greatest gifts to the
world Theres hardly a household in India
that has not been touched by the
Handicraft/ Handloom industry. The study of the
Indian handicraft industry will take you on a
historic voyage of 5000 years.
Archaeologists have found evidence of
handmade artifacts in the Indus Valley
Civilization. Apart from pottery, terracotta,
jewellery, and weaving, historians have also
established that ancient Indians had a
strong interest in paintings. Post-Maurya and
during the Gupta era, the
number of handicraft manufacturers kept
growing with the focus areas being
handloom, leather products, woodcarving,
sculpture, etc. The industry further
flourished during the medieval period and the
British rule as India emerged as a major
exporting nation.
- The Modern Scenario
- The thriving handicraft industry employs more
than 7 million people in the country. The primary
produces include shawls, carpets, glassware,
imitation jewellery, attar, embroidered items,
handprinted garments, art-metal products, and
more. - During 2021-22 India exported handicraft
products worth 4.35 billion, over 25
growth from the previous year. - The United States accounts for about 38 of the
total handicraft exports from India. Other major
countries are Australia, Canada, France, Germany,
Netherlands, Japan, Italy, and more. - The Growth Drivers
- Traditionally skilled labours As history
showcases, India has been bestowed with efficient
craftsmen for thousands of years who have
been engaged in the trade for generations.
Hence, theres an abundance of skilled workers in
this field. - Favourable government policies National
Handicraft Development Program (NHDP), and
the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster
Development Scheme - (CHCDS) are two bodies responsible for
augmenting production facilities
technology, human resource management, credit
facilities for artisans, etc.
2- E-commerce boom Online B2B, as well as B2C
segments, have embraced the Indian handicraft
industry that has expanded the market
penetration. A number of organisations are
directly sourcing from handicraft items
manufacturers, thus increasing their earning
potential. - Growing overseas market Export Promotion Council
for Handicrafts (EPCH) is the body thats
responsible for building and maintaining the
export drive for Indian handicrafts. - Artisan development initiatives For
several decades, artisans had faced the - problem of profitably marketing their
products. With various marketing initiatives
taken by the government and private
entities, the craftsmen are now getting
their efforts worth. They are also being
inducted into modern technologies that are
increasing their productivity. - Industry Experts (https//www.industryexperts.
co.in/) are well-networked with handicraft
manufacturers and capable of catering to your
sourcing needs as also help you set up shop in
this industry.