How do Handicrafts benefits Nepal?

How do Handicrafts benefits Nepal

Although the Nepalese handicrafts sector has seen its ups and downs, it has a long history. According to a mention found in Kautilya’s Economics concerning various industries and exports from Nepal. Nepal was recognized for its rainproof woolen blanket during the reign of Chandra Gupta Mouriya, in the fourth century. The blankets were composed of eight pieces of black fabric stitched together, known as “bhiringisi” and “apasaraka.”

Likewise, the Jain religion’s “Brihatakalpasutra Vhashya” epics include high-quality blankets. In their travelogues, notable Chinese explorers such as Wanghunshe and Huansang in 648 AD praised Nepalese arts and crafts as well as the skills of Nepalese craftsmen and artisans.

The rulers of the country fostered national industries and trade to various measures of production, development, and encouragement from the beginning through the mid-nineteenth century. Only imported commodities that were not produced locally were used to save the national industry. Because of the government’s broad liberal import policy during the end of the nineteenth century, the Nepalese arts and crafts industry, as well as all home-based industries in general, suffered greatly.

Before the occupation of India and the signing of a peace treaty with Tibet in 1904 AD, Nepal was regarded as the principal route to Tibet for international trade. However, the treaty of 1904 AD enabled the British to open a new route between India and Tibet through the Chumbic Valley, and the trade route treaty of 1923 AD between Nepal and British India, which was not in Nepal’s favor and had very negative consequences for the country’s industries and flourishing trade.

Nepal’s economy has been in turmoil in recent years, and one of the businesses that have helped it stay afloat is the handicrafts industry. It is impossible to characterize it solely in terms of Handmade Crafts. Handmade crafts are more than an industry in Nepal since the goods are more than just commercial; they also have social, cultural, traditional, and historical connotations. It also includes, in a larger sense, the skills, labor strength, and market resources needed to improve the sector.

And one particular organization has played a significant role in moving this area ahead. The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal, which was founded in 1972, has guided it with tremendous anticipation, keenness, and vision. Its passion and commitment have greatly aided the sector’s development and essential reforms throughout time.

Handicraft has now proven to be a thriving industry that contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP. Handicraft crafts are one of Nepal’s biggest prosperous sectors because the items are of excellent quality. The artistic and skilled qualities of artisans and sculptors add to its uniqueness and make it a blessing in disguise. The artistic and skilled qualities of artisans and sculptors add to its uniqueness and make it a blessing in disguise. The handicraft sector has shown to be a success for Nepal during a sluggish and unstable economic period. This enterprise has revolutionized the low-income homes of the tiny nation, where more than 20% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

This sector has benefited Nepali society by promoting distinctive handicrafts around the world, reducing poverty, and maintaining Nepali craftsman’s skills and craftsmanship. However, it cannot be overlooked that it would not have been a success without the cooperation of all stakeholders. It is important to recognize that this business has employed a significant number of individuals, and their skills have been harnessed through time without sacrificing quality over quantity. Because Nepal’s industry has not evolved to its full potential, as it has in the industrialized world, this specific business is well suited to the current developing stage and has a bright future in the retail industry.

The industry’s particular contribution to Nepali society is that it has enabled people to make money while simultaneously honing their artistic skills and passing them down to the next generation. Furthermore, the way it portrays Nepali society to both locals and visitors is important, as not only is art and craft passed down but also conserved. The medium for sharing the art and its meaning is fantastic. When a customer purchases one of the products, they are introduced to a whole new universe and are enticed to learn more about it. There are also a large number of people working in the industry who earn enough to cover their basic needs. Handicrafts are undeniably one of the most successful and stable industries, and the trend is expected to continue.

The handicraft is a burgeoning industry that has taken a hit as a result of the lock down. Before Covid-19, the market used to be roughly one billion rupees, both worldwide and domestically. It, directly and indirectly, employs approximately one million people. Traditional and modern handicrafts are the two main categories of handicrafts. Over 70 percent of Nepal’s handicraft items are exported regularly, with the felt sector dominating the market. Many European countries had a stable market, with good demand over the Christmas seasons and for other interior decorations, according to Felt.

Previously, Europe received the majority of the exports. However, due to travel restrictions and the economic downturn, orders are not pouring in. The business appeared to be better during the shutdown than it is now since there were still outstanding consignments and it was providing jobs. There are no fresh orders right now because the consignments have been exported. This has a significant impact on small and medium-sized businesses. Even if the businesses wanted to send a package abroad, the shipping costs were so costly, ranging from Rs 125 to Rs 500 per kilogram, that they couldn’t afford it. However, following Covid-19, the industry is enjoying a comeback in the national market.

In conclusion, today, handicraft has surpassed agriculture as the primary source of foreign earnings and money. It is the sole good source of revenue with a good international market in the sagging export economy. The Nepalese government has designated this industry as a competitive product. Many local and foreign entrepreneurs are entering this area to conduct international trade. There are numerous websites dedicated to Nepalese handicrafts that international clients use to place orders.

Handicrafts in Nepal, is a B2B wholesale shop, offering a wide variety of Nepali handicrafts products at an affordable price and ship worldwide.

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