Move over middlemen, the Internet’s here to help artisans tap the potential of the global market — this seems to be the new mantra of self-help groups working with craftsmen at the grassroots level.

With middlemen appropriating the surplus of rural artisans who make products ranging from bamboo mattresses to candles, Kolkata-based associations have come forward to help them realise fair value of their produce by selling through websites.

“There is a huge demand for handicrafts within the country and, more importantly, abroad. Internet offers the best way of reaching out to the potential buyers. It will be a great help to artisans if they can avoid middlemen. Their earnings will go up by more than 100 per cent in certain cases,” said Chanchal Sengupta, the coordinator of Silence, an NGO working with handicapped craftsmen.

The issue came up for discussion at a seminar held in Calcutta last week. It was attended by representatives of 65 NGOs and self-help groups that work with craftsmen from northern and eastern parts of the country. The event was held under the aegis of Fair Trade Forum-India (FTF-I), which is attached to International Fair Trade Association.

A delegation from Tokyo’s Chuo University also attended the meet to assess the Indian fair trade scenario, compare it with the situation in Japan and explore possibilities of trade between the countries.

Mr. Rakesh Joshi

Joshi Enterprise

Manager, Joshi Enterprise
Dispur, India

Free Member, Joined :02/02/2007
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