Hupari, a town in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, has been recognised as a “silver zone” by the Indian government due to its deep-rooted tradition of silver jewellery craftsmanship.
The town is home to over 40,000 artisans, 60% of whom are women, specialising in handcrafted silver anklets, chains, and temple jewellery. The silver anklets produced in Hupari hold Geographical Indication (GI) status, affirming their authenticity and unique traditional methods. Despite this recognition, challenges such as outdated production techniques and limited infrastructure continue to restrict the region’s growth as a global export hub.
GJEPC’s Support for Modernisation
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has been working to position Hupari as a key player in international markets. Since 2021, the council has implemented initiatives including seminars on export requirements, training on improving product quality, and introducing modern technology to enhance productivity.
Vipul Shah, Chairman of GJEPC, commented, “Hupari holds the potential to be a thriving silver export hub, echoing Surat’s success in diamonds. The Government’s recognition of Hupari as a ‘silver zone’ and plans for a Common Facility Centre mark important steps forward. Yet, real growth will hinge on targeted investments in technology, artisan training, and international market access. At GJEPC, we see immense promise in Hupari’s artisans and are committed to guiding them on this journey to becoming key players in the global silver jewellery market.”
The proposed establishment of a Common Facility Centre (CFC) aims to provide artisans access to advanced machinery and resources necessary to scale production and meet export standards. Additionally, GJEPC has supported local communities by organising health insurance subsidies for artisans and addressing administrative hurdles such as land allocation for export clusters.
Craftsmanship and Current Challenges
Hupari’s artisans are renowned for their intricate craftsmanship, producing items such as silver anklets, chains, and temple ornaments using traditional methods. However, outdated machinery and manual processes limit their productivity and ability to compete in global markets. Many artisans also face challenges in accessing resources, training, and export infrastructure.
Parag Vardhamane, owner of Idyllic Silver International Trade and one of Hupari’s first jewellery exporters, shared his journey: “Following GJEPC’s assistance in navigating Customs procedures, I started catering to small orders from Dubai, where I exported silver necklaces. Soon, I got an order for a 1 kg silver cradle from abroad. I learned that the key challenge is maintaining top-notch finishing, as international clients demand high standards. By enhancing our quality control processes, I overcame this hurdle. The other main issue is finding genuine buyers, who are prompt with payments. My goal is to expand the export business further, especially in Dubai and Australia.”
Infrastructure and Skill Development Needs
To realise its export potential, Hupari requires significant investment in high-quality raw materials, modern equipment, and training programmes.
Sandip Adasule, Director of Hupari Chandi Hastkala Udyog Vikas Foundation, explained, “Sourcing high-quality raw materials at competitive prices remains a significant challenge for our Hupari manufacturers. Notably, silver jewellery produced in Rajkot is more cost-effective due to the region’s technical advancements, including the use of casting methods. Additionally, Salem manufacturers avoid using recycled silver to maintain quality and finish. While in Hupari, product quality is often compromised, as karigars frequently repurchase old silver jewellery from the retail market to craft new items, resulting in subpar finish and quality.”
Adasule emphasised the importance of pairing the CFC with robust training initiatives: “This would help us create more innovative and competitive products… Our current polishing methods often result in products that quickly become dull or tarnished. Adopting more advanced techniques and using higher-quality polishing materials could significantly improve the durability and finish of our ornaments.”
Leveraging the GI Tag for Branding
The GI designation of Hupari’s silver anklets presents an opportunity for branding and international market recognition. Adasule noted, “Obtaining a GI for our products can be a powerful tool for differentiating them from competitors and enhancing their value. It can help us establish a strong brand identity and attract premium prices in the global market. However, protecting our GI tag requires collective efforts from artisans, associations, and government agencies to ensure that the quality and authenticity of our products are maintained.”
Outlook for Hupari’s Silver Jewellery Industry
With strategic investment, skill development, and government support, Hupari’s silver jewellery industry could emerge as a significant contributor to India’s jewellery export market. Overcoming existing challenges in technology, quality standards, and market access will be crucial in transforming this traditional craft hub into a global silver jewellery export powerhouse.
