Cottage and Small Scale Industries. in Himachal Pradesh

Industrialization in Himachal Pradesh is comparatively a recent phenomenon. The severe climatic conditions topographical and geographical severities throw challenges in the process of industrialization. In such a scenario, the benefits in the form of incentives and subsidies as well as the development of appropriate Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE become the main instruments to attract industrial Investment in the State. Though industrialization in the State has not been able to gather momentum as compared to the neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, U.P. and Uttrakhand, yet with investment in infrastructural facilities, the state has been able to offset the locational and geographical disadvantages to considerable extent. The Industrial Sector in the state has entered the take off stage with a well diversified base of industries ranging from rural and traditional Handloom and Handicrafts, Cottage, Micro and SSI units to High-tech Textile, Telecommunication equipment, sophisticated Electronic units, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering, High Quality Precision Tools, Food Processing industries etc.

At the time of independence, Himachal Pradesh was predominantly an agrarian economy. Almost all other items of common use were imported. During the nineties, the Growth rate remained more or less stable. The decade showed an Average annual growth rate of 5.7 percent, which is at par with the national level. The pace of industrial development has picked up after the Grant of special package of incentive by Central govt. for setting up of Industries in the State which was notified on 07.01.2003 together with the package of incentives provided by the State Govt. in the Industrial Policy & incentive. This has resulted in high investment in both MSEs and Medium & Large Scale sector in the State.

district Kangra which accounted for 23.07% of the total units followed by district Solan and Mandi which accounted for 13.35% and 10.14% respectively of the total registered units. But the growths of registered industries in the state during the last three years have been recorded more in district Solan followed by district Sirmour and Una respectively. In the State least numbers of units have been registered in district Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti. In terms of investment, maximum amount of investment have been made in district Solan with 62.03% of the total investment followed by district Sirmour and Una with 17.90% and 7.31% of the total investment while in terms of EMPLOYMENT also district Solan has became the largest employment provider district of the state with 31.05% of the total employment followed by district Kangra and Sirmour.

Maximum No of units registered with the state industries department after the special package of incentives were in the unclassified product group (others) followed by food processing industries and then mechanical engg., electrical, packaging, electronics, pharmaceuticals, plastic & chemicals, footwear & automobiles etc., while this trend have been changed after the change in the definition of industries under the MSMED Act. In terms of investment (as on 1.10.2006) maximum amount of investment was made in the product group of Chemical & Allied Products followed by mechanical and electrical & electronic products while this trend has also been changed after the enhancement of investment limit for micro, small & medium enterprises under the MSMED Act, as a result of which chemical and mechanical products which were earlier in the category of medium enterprises due to the large investment involved have came under the preview of small scale sector by occupying the first, second and third position. Further considerable numbers of chemical, mechanical and electrical & electronics industries have come up in the State after the implementation of industrial package given by the Central Government to the State.

To provide Services and facilities to the existing and prospective entrepreneurs. District industries Centers (DIC’s) have been functioning in all districts of the state. Besides, 5 Single Window Clearance Agencies have been setup in industrial areas of Parwanoo, Baddi, Paonta Sahib, Kala Amb & Golthai which provide services and facilities required by the industries under the single roof. With a view to provide umbrella support to existing and new ventures, the State Government has set up a State Level Single Window Clearance and Monitoring Authority (SLSWC&MA).

A large number of families are engaged in Village & Cottage industries in the State such as Khadi, Village Oil, leather products, FVPP, Gur Khandsari, Carpentry & black smithy, Lime, Pottery, Fibre, Bee Keeping, P.C.P.I. Cottage Match, HMP, Cane and Bamboo, Katha Industry, Medicinal Herbs, Soap, Gums & Rosine, Aluminum, Service Industry, Textile Industry, Brass Copper, Rasin, PVC & Candle, Electronics &, Bio-tech etc.

Himachal Pradesh is now on its way to rapid industrialisation through co-ordinate and simultaneous development of micro, small, medium sector of industries. The State has registered remarkable progress in the development of MSME sector during the last few years.

Sericulture is emerging as one of the important cottage industry in the state. This is providing subsidiary employment to the farmers and also supplementing their income by way of rearing silkworms for production of silk cocoons. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has given high priority to the development of sericulture industry because it has a great potential to raise the income level of small and marginal farmers. The state has suitable Climate for blvoltine mulberry sericulture. Sericulture is eco-friendly occupations, which requires no energy and take minimum gestation period and less investment. It is ideally suited to the rural areas and can go a long way in solving Unemployment problem to some extent. The state comes in bivoltine region where silkworms are reared twice in a year. This subsidiary occupation is providing employment to about 9000 rural families for supplementing their income by rearing silk-worms and selling cocoons.

In the State seven Sericulture divisions viz. Ghumarwin, Mandi, Palampur, Dehra, Nadaun, Dhaulkuan, Shimla under which 72 sericulture centre, 85 departmental mulberry farms and 28 mulberry nurseries are functioning. These sericulture centers conduct incubation of silkworm eggs, young age rearing and distribute chawki-reared silkworms to the farmers for late age rearing for production of silk cocoons. Besides distributing mulberry saplings and providing technical guidance to the Seri-culturists. Currently sericulture is spread over in about 1928 villages and its major concentration is in the district Bilaspur, Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, Una and Sirmaur, Total eight silk reeling units one in Govt. Sector at Nurpur (Kangra) and seven under private sector have been set up in district Kangra (3), Hamirpur (1), Mandi (1) and Bilaspur (2).

Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is bordered by the states of Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Punjab to the west, Haryana and Uttarakhand to the south, and Uttar Pradesh to the east. The state has a Population of over 7.7 million people and a land area of over 55,000 square kilometers. The capital of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla.

Himachal Pradesh is a mountainous state with a diverse landscape. The state is home to the Himalayas, the Pir Panjal Range, and the Dhauladhar Range. The state also has a number of rivers, including the Sutlej River, the Beas River, and the Ravi River.

The Climate of Himachal Pradesh varies depending on the altitude. The lower parts of the state have a temperate climate, while the higher parts of the state have a cold climate. The state receives a significant amount of snowfall in the winter.

Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination. The state is home to a number of hill stations, including Shimla, Manali, and Dalhousie. The state also has a number of temples and monasteries, including the Jakhoo Temple, the Hadimba Temple, and the Tabo Monastery.

Himachal Pradesh is a developing state. The state has a number of industries, including agriculture, Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture, Forestry, mining, and tourism. The state also has a number of small and medium-sized enterprises.

The following are some of the cottage and small scale industries in Himachal Pradesh:

Handicrafts: Himachal Pradesh is known for its handicrafts, including woodcarving, metalwork, and embroidery.
Handlooms: Himachal Pradesh is also known for its handlooms, including woolen shawls and carpets.
Carpets: Himachal Pradesh is a major producer of carpets. The carpets are made from wool and are known for their intricate designs.
Shawls: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of shawls. The shawls are made from wool and are known for their warm and soft texture.
Woolen garments: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of woolen garments, including sweaters, jackets, and blankets.
Wood products: Himachal Pradesh is a major producer of wood products, including furniture, utensils, and toys.
Stone products: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of stone products, including building materials, jewelry, and sculptures.
Leather products: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of leather products, including shoes, bags, and belts.
Paper products: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of paper products, including notebooks, stationery, and packaging materials.
Food processing: Himachal Pradesh is a major producer of food products, including fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Beverages: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of beverages, including tea, coffee, and liquor.
Pharmaceuticals: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of pharmaceuticals.
Cosmetics: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of cosmetics.
Electronics: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of electronics, including televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Engineering goods: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of engineering goods, including machinery, tools, and equipment.
Chemicals: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of chemicals, including Fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Rubber and plastic products: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of rubber and plastic products, including tires, hoses, and pipes.
Jute products: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of jute products, including bags, sacks, and carpets.
Textiles: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of textiles, including Cotton, wool, and silk.
Machinery and equipment: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of machinery and equipment, including tractors, trucks, and buses.
Transport equipment: Himachal Pradesh is also a major producer of transport equipment, including cars, motorcycles, and scooters.
Other industries: Himachal Pradesh is also home to a number of other industries, including mining, tourism, and construction.

The cottage and small scale industries in Himachal Pradesh play an important role in the state’s economy. The industries provide employment to a large number of people and contribute to the state’s exports. The industries also help to preserve the state’s culture and traditions.

What are the different types of cottage industries in Himachal Pradesh?

There are many different types of cottage industries in Himachal Pradesh, including:

Handicrafts: This includes a wide range of items, such as woodcarving, metalwork, and textiles.
Food processing: This includes items such as pickles, jams, and dried fruits.
Papermaking: This includes items such as handmade paper and paper products.
Leatherwork: This includes items such as shoes, bags, and belts.
Pottery: This includes items such as pots, pans, and dishes.
Carpet weaving: This includes items such as carpets, rugs, and blankets.

What are the benefits of cottage industries?

There are many benefits to cottage industries, including:

They provide employment for people in rural areas.
They help to preserve traditional skills and crafts.
They can be a Source Of Income for Women and other marginalized groups.
They can help to reduce POVERTY and improve livelihoods.
They can contribute to the development of local economies.

What are the challenges faced by cottage industries?

There are also some challenges faced by cottage industries, including:

Access to credit and finance.
Lack of Marketing and promotion.
Competition from large-scale industries.
Lack of skilled labor.
Government policies that are not supportive of cottage industries.

What are some ways to support cottage industries?

There are many ways to support cottage industries, including:

Buying products from cottage industries.
Promoting cottage industries to others.
Investing in cottage industries.
Lobbying for government policies that support cottage industries.
Providing training and Education to cottage industry workers.
Helping cottage industries to access credit and finance.

What is the future of cottage industries in Himachal Pradesh?

The future of cottage industries in Himachal Pradesh is uncertain. There are many challenges facing cottage industries, but there are also many opportunities. With support from the government and the public, cottage industries can continue to play an important role in the economy of Himachal Pradesh.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a cottage industry in Himachal Pradesh?

(A) Handloom
(B) Carpet weaving
(C) Handicrafts
(D) Steel manufacturing

Answer
(D)

Question 2

Which of the following is not a small scale industry in Himachal Pradesh?

(A) Food processing
(B) Paper manufacturing
(C) Electronics manufacturing
(D) Tourism

Answer
(C)

Question 3

The main objective of the Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation (HPSIDC) is to:

(A) Promote cottage and small scale industries in the state
(B) Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs
(C) Set up industrial estates
(D) All of the above

Answer
(D)

Question 4

The Himachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (HPKVIB) is responsible for the development of which of the following industries?

(A) Handloom
(B) Carpet weaving
(C) Handicrafts
(D) All of the above

Answer
(D)

Question 5

The Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts Development Corporation (HPSHC) is responsible for the development of which of the following industries?

(A) Handloom
(B) Carpet weaving
(C) Handicrafts
(D) All of the above

Answer
(C)

Question 6

The main objective of the Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC) is to:

(A) Promote electronics manufacturing in the state
(B) Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs
(C) Set up industrial estates
(D) All of the above

Answer
(A)

Question 7

The main objective of the Himachal Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (HPSTDC) is to:

(A) Promote tourism in the state
(B) Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs
(C) Set up tourist resorts
(D) All of the above

Answer
(A)

Question 8

The main objective of the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (HPSFDC) is to:

(A) Promote forestry in the state
(B) Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs
(C) Set up forest-based industries
(D) All of the above

Answer
(A)

Question 9

The main objective of the Himachal Pradesh State Mineral Development Corporation (HPSMDC) is to:

(A) Promote mining in the state
(B) Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs
(C) Set up mining-based industries
(D) All of the above

Answer
(A)

Question 10

The main objective of the Himachal Pradesh State Power Development Corporation (HPSPDC) is to:

(A) Promote power generation in the state
(B) Provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs
(C) Set up power-based industries
(D) All of the above

Answer
(A)