India Pottery Industry

Pottery being an age old handicraft in India, the roots of the India pottery industry can be traced back to the earliest times of civilization. The beginning of pottery making trails back to the Neolithic era. During the time of the Indus Valley Civilization, this effective art form improved with technology. In the present day, the pottery industry in India has been put forward as a major cottage industry as well as on the contemporary lines in both small and big pottery concerns.

The pottery industry in India provides mass employment along with betterment of the living standards; both the village and city people comprise the work force of the industry. Moreover, this industry is known to play a vital role in the total GDP of India and even in the foreign revenue.

Industry Background

India is dotted with various pottery firms, big and small pottery concerns have mushroomed in India like never before, thereby, making the Indian subcontinent self-sustaining in the manufacturing of various pottery products.

Among other states, Uttar Pradesh is responsible for taking this industry to new heights. Parts of Uttar Pradesh like, Khurja, Chinhar, Chunar, Phulpur,Mathura, Agra, Vrindaban, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Moradabad, Kanpur, Etmadpur, Rampur, Aligarh are mainly engaged in pottery making.

The pottery industry in Uttar Pradesh comprises 600 units altogether, out of which 570 are working actively. Furthermore, the working units are divided into Independent units, Semi-independent units as well as Dependent units.

India pottery industry, over the years, has bravely battled several hindrances and emerged as the proud winner. This profit-earning industry of India is without any application of modern day technical support; most of the technologies are outdated and are also inefficient at the same time. Moreover, this important industry has failed to taste success in respond to meet the present market demands. It has been estimated that over 40 lakhs rural potters still work with the help of conventional pottery wheels. Of the 15 lakhs traditionally skilled potters, about 95% are involved in the work of conventional red local pottery. In addition, the products made in the village pottery are only sold to a restricted part of the society.

However, the emergence of the Studio Pottery has played a significant role in boosting the India pottery industry. More and more artists are getting involved with this kind of pottery.

India Pottery Industry – Market Players

  • Palam Potteries: Manufacturer of pottery products.

  • HiItkari Potteries

  • Pelican Pottery

  • Jaipur Glass Industries

  • Heritage Pottery

  • Venus Industries & Emporium -

  • Lacmi Air And Potteries House: Producer, exporter of pottery

  • Blue Art Flower Vases Works

  • Confetti Exports Private Limited: Manufacturer and exporter of pottery

  • Terakots – Manufacturer and exporter of black pottery

India Pottery Industry – Facts

India along with several other developing countries of Asia is considered as one of the first Asian countries to manufacture as well as export products of pottery. The important markets for pottery products are USA, Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan, Germany, Italy and France. However, the share of global market of India in pottery products is believed to be less than 1%. The important suppliers list includes China, UK, Japan and USA.

The yearly production of pottery products in the Khurja units of Uttar Pradesh is slated to be around ` 85 crore. Out of this about 20% is exported in the international market. Among the pottery products that are exported from India, the most common ones are chemical porcelains, handicraft art ware and more.

In order to improve the overall condition of the India pottery industry, it is important to identify the various requirements of the manufacturing centers, technological development along with advancement of the centers with help structures have also become a necessity. Proper review of the industry, analyzing the need, gap and formulating of a proper plan are also important.

Last Updated on 05 Jully 2011