I was invited as one of the panelists for a workshop on Identification of Export Potential for the Informal Craft Sector, organized by IIT Guwahati and the Government of Assam (SITA). [Thank you Dr. Kuldeep Baishya]
I was probably the most green horn on the panel, but it was fascinating to hear the perspectives of government bodies and veteran industry players—and to notice how our views differ. The former focused heavily on financing, upskilling, and government-led institutional enablement, whereas my perspective came from being a high-efficiency and lean market-oriented player.
We rely strongly on market-pull and product strategies that create awareness and demand first, and only then invest in scaling production—a more hedged approach. Unlike traditional cluster-development models, we do not go door to door (in an activist format); instead, we focus on minimizing contact points and maximizing organizational efficiency through tech-implementation, process design, and system-thinking within our own firm.
Both paths must work together. As much as there is a need for government schemes and institutional support, there is also a need for players who understand production dynamics, follow market signals, and create real incentives for producers.
