Subsequently, the traditional market for shepherd’s blankets has been become habituated to softer and cheaper, machine-made, synthetic-fiber blankets and mats. Also, the younger generation does not consider sheep rearing dignified, and it does not meet current expectations of supplementary incomes.
Still, with 6.7 million shepherds, India has the 3rd largest population of sheep in world. However, India comes 9th in terms of wool production, which accounts for only 2% of total world’s annual wool production. These facts indicate gaps for this cottage industry as well as open up an opportunity to create stronger source of livelihood for the new generation of shepherd’s community.
Kala Swaraj Foundation has initiated a project with the Gadaria community in eastern Madhya Pradesh to explore and create a replicable model to make shepherding and artisanal textile-production a dignified source of income by developing wool products that are sought after by the market.