“Uttar Pradesh’s handicraft sector is witnessing a surge, with artisans gaining access to global markets through government initiatives and e-commerce platforms. The state’s ODOP scheme and events like the Maha Kumbh are boosting artisan incomes, while digital marketplaces like Flipkart enhance visibility. Exports are rising, with the US leading demand, driving economic growth and cultural preservation.”
Handicraft Surge in Uttar Pradesh: Artisans Embrace Global Opportunities
Uttar Pradesh’s handicraft sector is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by strategic government initiatives and the rise of digital marketplaces. The state’s One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has been a game-changer, spotlighting unique crafts from each district and connecting artisans to broader markets. For instance, at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, officials estimate a turnover of Rs 35 crore for the handicraft industry over the 45-day fair, a significant leap from Rs 4.3 crore in 2019. The ODOP exhibition, spanning 6,000 square meters, showcases products like Kushinagar’s carpets, Firozabad’s glass toys, and Varanasi’s wooden toys, drawing both domestic and international buyers.
Government efforts are amplifying this growth. The National Handicraft Development Programme, implemented by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), provides technical and financial support to artisans. Schemes like Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana and Dastkar Sashktikaran Yojana focus on infrastructure development, skill upgradation, and market linkages through self-help groups. In 2022-23, the United States accounted for 37% of India’s handicraft exports, with Uttar Pradesh playing a pivotal role, according to the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). The state’s 744 handicraft clusters, employing over 212,000 artisans, produced exports worth USD 4.35 billion in 2021-22, marking a 25.7% increase from the previous year.
E-commerce is transforming the landscape for UP’s artisans. Platforms like Flipkart, which set up a stall at the Maha Kumbh, and others like Etsy and Amazon Handmade, are enabling artisans to bypass middlemen and reach global consumers directly. This digital shift aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable, handmade products, particularly in Western markets. The global handicraft market, valued at USD 787.85 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 2,403.60 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 11.8%, driven by trends in eco-friendly and culturally significant goods.
Festivals and trade fairs are also pivotal. The 60th IHGF Delhi Fair, scheduled for October 13–17, 2025, will feature over 3,000 exhibitors from India, including many from UP, showcasing 2,000 product lines across 16 categories. Such events provide artisans with exposure to international buyers, fostering partnerships and export orders. Additionally, the state government’s focus on cultural tourism, exemplified by Srinagar’s recognition as a ‘World Craft City’ in June 2024, is attracting tourists and boosting demand for UP’s crafts.
Artisans are also adapting to modern trends. Collaborations with designers and the integration of technologies like 3D printing are helping create innovative products while preserving traditional craftsmanship. For example, Varanasi’s zari-zardozi work and Lucknow’s chikankari are being reimagined for contemporary home décor and fashion, appealing to millennials and Gen Z consumers globally. The state’s push for sustainability, with artisans using eco-friendly materials like jute and bamboo, further enhances market appeal.
Challenges remain, including competition from mass-produced goods and fluctuating raw material prices. However, UP’s artisans are countering this by emphasizing authenticity and storytelling, which resonate with buyers seeking unique, ethical products. Government-backed initiatives, such as the planned investment of Rs 1,000 crore in the handloom and handicraft sector over the next four to five years, signal a robust future for UP’s artisans, ensuring their crafts thrive in an increasingly globalized economy.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news, reports, and industry insights from credible sources, including government announcements, market research, and trade publications. Information is accurate as of August 5, 2025, and reflects real-time data available at the time of writing. Readers are encouraged to verify details through official channels.