Indian handicrafts will be a thriving industry in the future thanks to government initiatives, the advent of new platforms, and technology. They are a reflection of the rich culture of India. Indian artists create art that can be handed down.
The future of Indian Handicrafts is bright thanks to government schemes that are effective and the advent of special platforms and technology.
Indian handicrafts embody our rich and diverse heritage. Indian artists use finely articulated designs to create art that can be handed down to future generations. They do this to leave a legacy for their culture and land. Handicrafts are a major part of India’s economy. They have revolutionized the lives of millions in the country, and they contribute significantly to its exports. State and regional clusters have a major influence on handicraft exports. India Brand Equity Foundation reports that the Indian handicrafts industry is fragmented, with more than seven million regional artisans and 67,000 exporters/export houses promoting regional arts and craftsmanship on the domestic and international markets. We’ll delve into the details to find out why this sector is set to boom in 2022.
The growing importance of the industry
The industry has been the backbone of rural India’s economy for decades. The industry employs many skilled artisans in rural and semi-urban areas. The handicraft sector also provides significant foreign exchange while conserving the cultural heritage of the country. Handicrafts have grown dramatically in recent years thanks to government efforts at growth and promotion. According to the Ministry of Textiles, the handicraft industry is growing at a constant 20 percent per year and employs more than 68.86 lakh artisans. These causes will help the Indian handicraft industry establish a global presence.
Tech to save the day
Handicrafts are no exception. In these unprecedented times, it is clear that technological advances have become a necessity for every industry. The handicraft industry has benefited from technology that allows people to communicate across borders. A global market is now a possibility for anyone who has a product. E-commerce paved the path for easy access to consumer goods and enabled inclusive growth by allowing producers all over the globe to promote their offerings online. Even social media platforms help in the marketing of Indian handicrafts globally.
Changed behavior of craftsmen
Indian artisans face a number of challenges. Multi-pronged approaches are needed to overcome these issues. There is a market already in place, and more are being created. To increase their income, artisans adapt to new skills and create items that meet unique market needs. The arrival of technology and the convenience that it brings to the table has led to a significant shift in behaviors among handcraft vendors and their customers.
Effective government schemes
The federal government works hard to develop the industry and help it reach its fullest potential. To help our artisans overcome the challenges they face, several plans and initiatives have been implemented. The Dastkar Shashktikaran Yojana has worked with the Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana to assist artisans in infrastructure, technology, and human resource development. The scheme aimed to organize artists into self-help groups and societies to promote bulk production and lower costs in raw material procurement. The ‘Mega Cluster Scheme,’ which aims to create jobs and improve the living standards of artisans, uses a cluster-based method of scaling infrastructure in handicraft centers, particularly in rural areas. The “Marketing Support and Services Scheme” provides financial assistance to artists who wish to take part in local marketing events and international trade fairs, both domestically and abroad. The “Research and Development Scheme” was created to collect information on the artistic, economic, social, and promotional aspects of crafts and artists in the sector to help with the implementation of other welfare programs. The Ministry of Textiles also allocated Rs 2.8 crores for an integrated project to develop and market Varanasi crafts in September 2020. This will help the artisans overcome the issues relating to COVID-19.
Imports vs exports
India’s handicrafts may only have a small market share, but the potential to grow exports as the world market grows is huge. Expert Market Research projects that the global handicrafts industry will reach USD 647.57 Billion in 2020. The handicraft industry is predicted to grow by 10.9 percent over the forecast period 2022-2027. It is expected to reach USD 1,204.7 by 2026. IBEF reports that the Indian government increased the incentive rates for handcrafted items under the MEIS (merchandise export from India) scheme to 7 percent from 5 percent. The government of India will help exporters recover the cost of materials for handicraft production, leading to more competitive prices and more exports. Over a hundred countries export Indian handicrafts, and the United States accounts for nearly a third.
Specialized platforms
India did not have a centralized platform for displaying Indian handcrafts to a global audience until just a few short years ago. This is changing rapidly. Many channels can help Indian artisans gain visibility in both the domestic and international markets. These platforms for global handicrafts trade offer free induction to suppliers and aim to give the industry a more organized image on the worldwide market. These B2B platforms, which are fully managed, connect Indian distributors and manufacturers with overseas buyers.
The Bottom Line
As various statistics show, it would not be incorrect to say that the handicraft industry has enormous potential in both domestic and foreign markets. The fragile state of artisans requires cautious intervention. Still, the government has made great progress in implementing policies to make our handmade products more competitive internationally and improve the working conditions for our artisans. It’s important to note that the industry will continue to grow over the next few years.