India is known for its diversity in culture, spread across its states. We find different types of handmade goods and artworks made by artisans and craftsmen in different parts of the country.

With beautifully articulated designs, the Indian artisans bring forth a legacy of their land, cultures and myths, and carve their respective art into forms that can be taken forward to future generations. Today, the Indian handicraft industry has emerged as an essential economic agent revolutionizing the lives of millions of people across the country. 

The handicraft and traditional handloom industries are counted among the crucial sectors which generate profitable economic activities in rural areas. Moreover, India’s handicraft exports will cross the Rs 24,000 crore mark by FY 2022-23.

This industry has proven to be the backbone of India’s rural economy for decades. It provides skilful employment to a vast segment of craft persons present in rural and semi-urban areas. Handicrafts also generate substantial foreign exchange for the nation while preserving its cultural heritage. Supported tenaciously by promotional and developmental activities of the government, the handicraft sector has remarkably grown over the years. 

According to the Ministry of Textiles, the handicraft industry has shown a steady growth rate of 20% every year. The sector is expected to employ nearly 68.86 lakh artisans at present. 

Handicrafts, the backbone of rural India 

The following factors play an integral role in upgrading the Indian handicraft industry and will help it build a global presence: 

Government support

The central government is actively working towards developing the industry to maximize its potential. The introduction of several schemes and initiatives is helping our craftsmen to overcome the challenges they face. 

The Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana collaborates with Dastkar Sashaktikaran Yojana to support artisans with their infrastructure, technology, and human resource development needs. It was launched for mobilizing artisans into self-help groups and societies to promote bulk production and economies in the procurement of raw materials.

Another scheme that helps artisans is the Marketing Support and Services Scheme. It offers interventions for domestic marketing events to artisans as financial assistance to participate in trade fairs across the country and abroad. This scheme was initiated to collect feedback on economic, aesthetic, social, and promotional facets of crafts and artisans in the sector to support

the implementation of other welfare schemes.

Using technology 

Technology has proven to be a boon for the handicraft industry. It can help cross boundaries and reach a wider audience. 

Acquisition of the global customer is no longer a distant possibility if one has a product to offer. E-commerce has opened doors to seamless access to consumer goods, and this has enabled inclusive growth as all manufacturers in any part of the globe can showcase their products through these online platforms. 

Even social media platforms are helping immensely with marketing Indian handicrafts globally.

Multiple seller avenues 

Till a few years back, India lacked a consolidated platform to showcase the Indian handicraft to the audience locally and globally. However, this scenario is fast changing. 

Platforms like Craftezy and Meesho have emerged and lend much-needed support to Indian artisans. This includes creating visibility in domestic and global markets. These global handicraft trade platforms come with a free supplier induction process and aim at giving it an organized image in the global market. 

Such fully-managed B2B marketplaces connect Indian manufacturers and wholesalers with international buyers.

Going as per the statistics of the handicraft exports, it can be said that in the present time of globalization, the handicraft sector has massive opportunities in the domestic and global markets.