Every place with a thriving business has its
roots deep into history. And in the case of fabrics and other fashion trends as
handicrafts, they tend to have an emotional connection with the producers and
the local people.
The
hook:
Handloom and other cottage produces are labour
intensive activities. With inclusion of sourcing the best of materials and
keeping up with the demand the toll on the producers is quite high. For the
buyers, the intrinsic attachment to the products being their exclusivity, uniqueness
and most importantly the human touch. The other aspect for the buyer being the ‘bragging
rights’ of having one, just like the ownership of a luxury brand in some cases.
The
line:
Difficult accessibility to raw materials and
labour intensity tends to a high pricing of the products. But historically,
handloom has been the shopping preference for the middle class of the society. With
inflation the acquiring of handloom becomes harder for that particular class. However,
the aspiration to have them never fades away.
This is the point where low cost produces come
to play. The methodology employed being mechanization, adulteration or
adjustment of raw materials and finally the glitz to sparkle eyeballs.
As a result of the above actions the demand
supply chain is normalized, the flaws acquired in handmade products are to an
extent removed and the oomph being added by means of adoption of latest fashion
trends and adopting them into these products.
The sinker:
The newer practices however hurt the income of
the handloom workers. And also bring down the exclusivity of their produce. Due
to reduced costs, the products are not always expected to have the quality as
in handloom, however failure in performance directs the ire of the buyer toward
the local producer rather the one mass producing. With customer satisfaction going down high
priced products take the beating. Thereby affecting he whole community
economically as well as culturally.
Perceived solution:
Local produces could get geographical indicators
and also restriction of manufacture of those produces by any other agency with
provisions of punishment inducing deterrence in involvement in such activity. Total
ban on sale of he products other than by the partners endorsed by the geographical
indicator. And last but importantly, creating attraction towards the produce of
handloom by local people and increase in number of the workers thereby bridging
the gap of supply and demand.
As a suggestion, I would like to ask all readers
and experts in such fields that is grading of products possible wherein the
same product varying in minor qualities be graded such as to offer them in a wide
band of prices and make them available to all masses?? Leave your comments
