Challenges and Opportunities

Many natural disasters have denigrated Kachchh livelihoods.  With the mass-production of synthetic fabrics in the 1960s, the local markets for woven cloth decreased dramatically. This dependence coupled with limited access to raw materials and markets forced artisans to look for new markets and attempt to reinvent traditional techniques and designs to sustain the craft as a livelihood.  Many weavers leave their craft to work as factory labourers.  Those who remain engaged in the craft face continued challenges that threaten their livelihood’s sustainability.  Today, Kachchh’s handloom sector stands at a crucial stage.

artisans look for new markets and reinvent traditional techniques and designs to sustain their craft.

Strategy

Despite the challenges, there is great potential and opportunity for Kachchh’s handloom sector.  KHAMIR Craft Resource Centre is repositioning, revitalizing, and promoting Kachchh’s handloom weaves sector by addressing the needs of all five categories of Kachchh weavers.

• Entrepreneurial Weavers are medium to large size weavers who need training and inputs for better business management, linkages with the external market environment, and understanding of trends, products, prices, etc.
• Small Weavers have limited exposure and capacities to take on viable marketing. They need a period of business hand holding while they are supported with services such as credit, marketing, market information, as well as design, product development and quality management.
• Weavers Linked to Local Trade are challenged by their limited access to markets, raw materials, and credit; their stagnant product range; and their lack of control over pricing and wages.  This group must be repositioned to increase the returns on their skills and work.  Artisans must develop a better understanding of the means of production, expand to new markets, increase design capacities and product development, and consider forming small networks.
• Job Workers need a structure whereby they could exercise some negotiating power vis-à-vis weaving wages. They also need to develop motivation, an understanding of new design practices, and more efficient means of production and creative inputs.
• Women Workers manage preparatory and finishing processes.  Their work must be up-graded to become less tedious and more efficient. Their labour needs to be recognized as a valued part of the process and business.  We must also address the reasons why women want to opt out of this work.

For more information about Kachchh craft traditions,livelihoods,challenges and opportunities, visit our Creative Industries pages or hear craft stories from local artisans.