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Handicrafts
of Manipur have a unique place among the various crafts of the
country due to having its own aesthetic and artistic value.
Although handicrafts industry started originally as
traditional part time activities in rural areas without any
significant market demand over the years, it has been
transformed into a flourishing industry. Current trends of
handicrafts product is not only restricted to aesthetic or
artistic value but incorporation of design and new ideas make
these products into daily utility items broadening the
marketability as well as scope of handicrafts products.
Manipur
has the highest handicrafts units as well as highest number of
craftsperson comprising of skilled and semi-skilled artisan in
the entire north eastern region. The existing resource pool in
terms of skilled and semi-skilled craftsperson provide enough
scope for further expansion and investment primarily into
product innovation & designing, value addition, and
production technique.
Major
Crafts having potential for investment
Cane
and Bamboo Crafts
Among
the crafts, cane and bamboo craft is most wide-spread
throughout the State because of availability of abundant raw
materials and demands from both domestic as well as
International buyers. Bamboo production of Manipur is above 1
million ton per annum. There are a number of trained
entrepreneurs and artisans in the trade. The number of
artisans engaged in cane and bamboo craft is around 1.50 lakh.
In view of these potentials, there is ample scope for
investment to set up more cane and bamboo enterprises in the
State.
Kauna
Crafts
Kauna
(Scripus lecustris) craft has the potential for large
scale plantation, production and marketing. Kauna products
have both domestic and export market demands. Cities like New
Delhi and Mumbai and foreign countries, like, UK, Netherlands,
Germany, France, UAE and Switzerland are major buyers. There
are also demands from the Latin American Countries. The
surging demands surpass the current production of kauna in the
State. There is thus a huge scope for investment for kauna
plantation, production and marketing in the State. Kauna being
environmental friendly and of very short lifecycle for
plantation, represent an alternative source for all the
handicrafts utility as well as artistic products.
Incorporation of latest trends in ideas and fashion statement
and designing and production techniques make these, all the
more alluring for future expansion and major investment.
Pottery
Potteries
of Manipur acclaimed unique distinction as they are produced
by coiled technique. They are concentrated in valleys and
hills alike. However to name a few major production centres
are concentrated at Nungbi, Andro, Chairen, Thongjao, Nongpok
Sekmai and Oinam. Most of potteries are different in type and
style as they have different socio-cultural significance. |
