Study on Problems Faced By the Artisans of Jammu Region

Crafts particularly provide employment to the second largest number of people, an important part of Indian economy after the agriculture. This study was conducted to know the problems faced by the artisans of the Jammu region (J&K). A sample comprised of 80 artisans including 20 sculptor, 20 weavers, 20 potters & 20 embroidery workers from the two selected districts of Jammu province i.e. Udhampur & Jammu were selected. Results showed that majority (93%) of the artisan face problems related to lack of the finance, 84% responded lack of demand of their products in the market, as their products have failed to compete with most of the Chinese products in the market. About 41% of artisans are facing problems related to lack of training for innovation and marketing of their products and 37.5% responded that they have no networking with the marketers. The illiterate artisans who fail to deal with the modern marketing system take the help of middlemen who pay them very less than the market price. It further deteriorated their status and living conditions. To make the craft products nationally and internationally reknown and commercially viable, it is necessary to upgrade the skill of the artisans who should be supplied with quality raw material and financial assistance and connecting them to the national and international markets.