Ajrakh Block Print

Environmental Challenges

The predominant challenge facing block print artisans is depleting ground water resources that result from intense water use during printing.  Kachchch’s block printing sector draws up to 25 lakh litres of water a day during peak season.  However, Kachchh is an arid region with a history of devastating droughts.  The lack of available ground water presents a significant challenge. It is important that artisans gain access technologies that they can implement to harvest, conserve, treat, and recycle water used for printing.

“The lack of available ground water presents a significant challenge”

In Addition, high quality, mineral-free water is required for quality printing.  A study sponsored jointly by Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association and Kachchh Nav Nirman Abhiyan identified the water-related factors which challenge the industry. These factors include hard water, high iron content, large percentages of total dissolved solids, excessive raw water consumption, and lack of waste water management.

Artisans also lack access to sources of water.  The majority of printers must rent wadis, farms withwater access, and bear the resulting expenses, transportation challenges, and pollution.   The industry’s move from natural to chemical dyes has further exacerbated pollution and water management challenges.

Artisans must access technologies that they can implement to harvest, conserve, treat, and recycle water

Market-related Challenges

The market for block printed textiles is increasingly demanding and competitive.  Market driven challenges have resulted in decreasing returns on Kachchh block printed products.  The block print industry faces tough competition from the screen print and mass-produced textile industries.

“develop and respond to new markets and revisit the distinct skills that set their work apart from generic block printing”

Kachchh’s printers work to address issues that challenge their ability to meet market demands.  These include: dyeing quality, consistency, design, variety of colour, block design, layout, and cloth, marketing, and control over costing.  Time and investment will allow artisans to develop and respond to new markets and revisit the distinct skills that set their work apart from generic block printing.