Bleak future of Indian artisans after Covid-19
The crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a sudden disruption of all businesses across the globe and the Indian economy is not immune to this pandemic. Many sectors have been severely affected in the economy with their traditional and contemporary markets for artisans being totally closed.
Several sectors have experienced stalling of orders as retailers were closed due to the worldwide lockdown with no signs of immediate recovery as the crisis. Cash flow had stopped with buyers unable to make payments and no sales at all. Retail events through which artisans get sales were stopped for a few months.
Difficulties that Covid-19 has caused
The Covid-19 pandemic and nation-wide lockdown have set the clock back at least a decade. Businesses of several industries have gone down to a great extent. The lockdown has led to the cancellation of a lot of orders and huge monetary loss.It will be unsustainable for every business if the pandemic continues for so long.
The Indian fashion industry is also affected by the pandemic.It is difficult to predict consumer behaviour even after the restrictions are lifted but many designers believe that the main target should be on simpler aesthetics and on maintaining the artisans and craftspersons who are the backbone of their business.
The All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association, an organization for the handloom and handicraft sector, says many cancellations of orders have been reported worldwide. Shipments are on hold and payments are stuck. This has created fear and uncertainty.
Indian handlooms sector has been growing their market internationally, but with this uncertainty, there will be no overseas orders resulting in loss of income. Customer priorities may change resulting in sudden and unexpected interruption to artisanal livelihood.
Small artisans and producer groups do not have the financial support to hold through such a crisis. The majority of the artisans who get income on a daily basis working for big traders and weavers will find it extremely difficult to feed their families and take care of medical emergencies.
Artisan-entrepreneurs who work independently have been impacted as sales opportunities, exhibitions, and craft bazaars are canceled. They had built up stock through bank loans with strict payback guidelines. Due to loss of income, they will lack the wherewithal to buy food for their families. The future of Craftsmen and artisans is not only unknown but also bleak.
Responding to the grim situation
Artisans are currently without jobs and have very few ways to sustain themselves in this time of inflation. Some initiatives have devised websites to help artisans liquidate their stock in hand to take care of their basic needs. Customers will pay them online and artisans will pack their products for delivery as transportation permits. This would help bring cash flow for artisans to support them.
Survival amid the Covid-19 pandemic has been nothing less than a barren hellscape for the artisans who are left in poorest conditions with diminishing resources and a bleak future.
However, there are certain organisations both commercial nad non-commercial who are fughting against all odds to help these poor artisans improve their situations by giving them an online platform to showcase their products to the world. Here are some of the very few who are trying at their level best: The Bengal Store, Samarth by Flipkart, Antaran by Tata Trusts.