Handicraft- one of India’s greatest gifts to the world

There’s 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, there’s 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.

●     E-commerce boom: Online B2B, as well as B2C segments, has 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 that’s 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.

 Source:- https://www.industryexperts.co.in/blog/handicraft-one-of-india-s-greatest-gifts-to-the-world