Entrepreneurship opportunities in handicrafts industry

Abstract

1 Introduction Handicrafts are mostly defined as "Items made by hand, often with the use of simple tools, and are generally artistic and/or traditional in nature. They are also objects of utility and objects of decoration. India has a great history of art and culture throughout its history. Based on traditional art, handicrafts depend on the social, economic and regional factors in the country. India is one of the important suppliers of handicraft to the world market. It’s a highly labour intensive industry spread all over the country. The demand for Indian handicraft items is on rise. As per India Brand Equity Foundation report, India gathered significant export earnings of US $ 1.9 billion in 2003, there being a 15% rise in exports consistently over a decade1. But Indian Handicrafts Industry is highly fragmented till date with operations in small villages as well as urban areas, spread throughout the country. We believe India has quite a number of people who are skilled but are not aware of the importance of their skills. They lack guidance, using which they can nourish their skills for their better future. No doubt, the era of Maharajas – the connoisseurs of art, respected and awarded artisans of their times. Today, in the interiors of India, although talented artisans prevail, they mostly work for survival. The motive is neither profit nor a better lifestyle. Using training, branding and proper marketing channels, their efforts can be taken to new levels.