Block chain supply chain authentication for handicrafts

Abstract

The handicrafts sector is important for the Indian economy because it contributes a fair share towards the GDP and generates a lot of employment. India is a diverse cultural land with each region having its own language, essence, clothing, and craft. These crafts have been passed on generations after generations in the families of artisans who take immense pride in what they do. However, some handicrafts have gained considerable recognition, whereas others are still shadowed by negligence and ignorance. Skilled artisans in such crafts have given up on them since it doesn’t generate sustainable income for them. As a result, some handicrafts are at the brink of extinction. To conserve a handicraft, demand needs to be generated that will ultimately give these artisans an incentive to utilize their skills and do what they do best. And nothing increases awareness more than an interesting story. The story of a handicraft, if told correctly, can have a massive impact on its demand. The handicraft sector in India is highly creative and produces large varieties of products including apparels, footwear, artifacts, home furnishing, and jewelry. Production is done both on a large and small scale. Since the capital investment to start up a handicrafts business is not much, a lot of people tend to start their business on a small scale. The industry is growing and is a major contributor to exports and foreign revenue. In India, handicrafts are distributed through the following channels: ● Retailers/Direct Sales- the most common means of sale ● Wholesalers/Distributors/Manufacturers- they procure/make bulk orders and sell to retailers or directly to the consumer ● E-Commerce- upcoming and promising means of sale