Poverty — and the conditions that lead to it — is dependent on a multitude of causes, ranging from economic and political to social and cultural.

Families in rural areas find it tough to break out of the cycle of poverty, primarily because a majority of Indian agriculture-based incomes continue to be dependent on the monsoons. Additionally, poor soil conditions, minimal use of modern farming methods, lack of systematic irrigation facilities, absence of post-harvest facilities and sustainable market linkages combine to put farm-based income generation capabilities in jeopardy.

The crafts sector is the second-largest source of employment after agriculture. It is estimated that this sector employs over seven million families in India. With a potential for high employment and with great economic importance in terms of foreign exchange earnings, crafts play a significant role in the country’s economy.

But the picture is not all rosy. Craftsmen are grappling with the inability to produce high-quality market driven artefacts. Despite superior skills, the wage growth of artisans has not kept pace with the income growth experienced by other sectors.