Journal of Economics and Development Studies

Economics of Eco-friendly Terracotta Products in Bankura District of West Bengal
Dr. Bikash Kumar Ghosh

Abstract
Bankura district of West Bengal has great potential for expansion of activity in medium small scale & cottage industry. The structure of the cluster (production unit) of terracotta is very unique, highly concentrated and most of the units work single handedly with the help of all family members including young boys and girls. The study reveals that net economic returns of terracotta production are markedly high for the marginal workers during the current year of study and labour cost works out to be the major contribution. But due to shrinkage of the market, presence of market middleman and some important constraints the income of the households are not regular and economic conditions are very low in the present economic perspective. There should be more encouragement from the Government or from the State Craft’s council to promote the Craft at National Level. More Exhibitions and Sales outlet should be done so that common people get to know more about the Terracotta Craft. Also a good Network should be build at National Level to bring out the Terracotta crafts to the tourists. The Craftsmen should be given exposition to the outer world so that they know what people like and what they should add more to their crafts.

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