Commercial Outlook of Handicraft Industry from India

Handicraft – "Crafted By Hand" more precisely express as any unique, artistic and creative work made by Hand.

Handicraft represents the traditional, cultural and regional values and it depicts the heritage of any country. It is the symbol of creativity of local people of the country. It is the work which is done in the different parts of the country by locals across the years and passes over from generation to generation. Many great artisans and craftsmen are creating gems from their hands. These works are indigenous, artistic, creative, decorative with that today they become the style statements and leisure pursuit in any country.

India is a sweet mixture of art, culture, tradition and religion and in this mixture, there is a myriad of art and craft work distinguished with social, economic and religious factors and these shades of uniqueness is shown in different regions of India with their religious differences.

India has a rich cultural heritage and India is blessed with great creative talent pool spread across all zones of the country touches the zenith of creativity. Whether there is terracotta and applique work in east or weaving work and pashmina shawls in north or wooden artistic handicrafts in north-east or high embroidery and textile work in the west. Different areas have unique crafts style.

India is one of major supplier and exporter of handicraft. It is the second largest Employment generating sectors after agriculture, one of the major productive sectors.

This sector is one of the decentralized sectors and highly labor intensive sectors. This is spread across all over the country and local people from all sections of the society whether there are men or women are engaged in this work.

Rich, middle class or poor from all class people are engaged in handicraft sector. Handicraft includes all types of work. These hand skills craftsmen and workers have also higher demands in foreign markets. These artisanal craftsmen get huge offers and good income in foreign markets.

Handicraft works in India represent the legacy of Indian Tradition. Handicraft sector has been one of the leading sectors from ancient to modern India. From so many years different kinds of handicraft product are manufactured, marketed, supplied and exported to foreign countries and in local markets.

The popular products from Handicraft are artistic Metalware, terracotta, wooden art wares, embroideries, stone carvings, sculptures, shawls, woolen products and zari items.

The foretaste of art and craft are also depicted in different carvings of ancient historical caves, palaces, temples and other monuments. Like Palaces in Rajasthan, today also embrace their style symbol from these royal and classy handicraft items which attract thousands of tourists to visit and see their elegant handicraft products.

Different types of handicraft products which are popular in demand in Indian as well as in foreign market are as metal art wares , wooden art wares, embroidery works and crochet work, textile works, marble, stonework, shawls, sandalwood, silk works, terracotta and applique work, carpet weaving, woolen works and Imitation jewelry .

Region wise, Handicraft products manufactured, supplied or exported from India are as follows:

• North – Carpet weaving, woolen and Pashmina shawl Industries
• East – Wooden work, terracotta, metalwork and applique Industries
• West- Embroidery and textile fabrics work, wooden, terracotta, imitation jewelry
• South – Sandalwood, silk Industries

EPCH: EXPORT Promotion Council for Handicraft is a non-Profit organization with an objective to promote and increase the Handicraft Export in India. EPCH is the apex government body and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It is the council which self-finances all its promotional activities.

In India, the Handicraft sector is important for Indian Economy as it is one of the largest employment generating sectors and also provide an important share in country's export. Every year this sector increase about 20 lakh new job opportunities.

This not only increases country's export but also related to increase tourism sector and give a great share in country GDP.

Some major Facts of Export Data from EPCH are as follows:

• Total export of handicrafts FROM India is expected to grow by 10% to US$ 3.5 billion in FY 2016-17
• The total export of handicraft will nearly increase to US$ 3.8 billion by FY 2020-21

Indian Handicraft Industry is fragmented with more than 7 million regional artisans almost 67000 exported promoting regional art and craft in the local or domestic and global markets.

This sector crosses the 17000 crore market in 15-16 and expected to cross further up to 24000 crore market in 20-21. (AERB Study)

Key Destinations of Export

• Top Destinations which are galvanized for Indian Handicraft are USA, UK, UAE, Germany, France, LAC, Netherlands, Canada, Italy, and Australia.
• Indian Handicraft which is eye- catching for foreigners is Art Metalware (28.23%). Wooden Wares (9.52%), Hand printed Textiles & Scarves (8.54%), Embroidered & Crocheted Goods (11%).Shawls (4.76%) and Imitation Jewelry (15.9%)

Technology is changing and developing very fast and to survive in this changing environment we should also upgrade ourselves for balancing with this Technological world. Today Handicraft sector which creative and unique one also facing downfall due to lack of design, innovation, scarcity of raw materials and growing more competitions in the market.

However, becoming a tourist attraction spot, give chances to many new small and medium business to emerge and entrepreneurs to come forward, boost in the use of internet marketing and escalating the e-commerce in Handicraft Industry are some areas which help in rapidly intensifying the handicraft market in India.

This sector is also very important as the low capital investment and high-value addition. In future this sector will have a boost in foreign trade and investment and business opportunities from both public and private sectors will be enhanced.

E-commerce industries and websites are another factor which will boost handicraft sector in upcoming days.