Tamil Nadu - Nagercoil   

Non-availability of raw materials hits artisans

Nagercoil: A cross section of the people in and around Marthandam here urged the Government to lend a helping hand to artisans. They were being put to untold hardship, owing to non-availability of raw materials and other help from the Government.

Next to agriculture, handicrafts offered the highest employment generation. Seashell products, different fibre-based products, coconut shell based products were made and sold to consumers, including domestic and foreign tourists.

According to an estimate of Handicrafts Marketing and Extension Centre, there were 50 units employing 5,400 artisans and the craft was concentrated on Kalkulam and Vilavancode taluks. Income earned was only Rs.20 to Rs.25 per day. Marketing was done through the Government, organised exhibitions and Kanyakumari district Artisans’ Welfare Association.

Hence, the Government should ensure the uninterrupted supply of raw materials and for the formation of artisans’ welfare board.

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