Production Process, Productivity and Profitability in Conch Shell Craft of Bankura and Paschim Medinipur Districts in West Bengal

Abstract

Our analysis based on primary survey of 120 sample households in the two districts of West Bengal, namely Bankura and Paschim Medinipur reveals that there is an admixture of different forms of production organization, namely independent, partially tied and tied units in conch shell craft. Majority of the artisans have been working in their own dwelling-cum-workshops or in workshops owned by them. The whole production process in this industry is indigenous and various stages of works are in general found, each using simple tools, cutting machines or grinder machines. It is employment, work hours, income of proprietor artisan families, monthly wage income per worker significantly vary across the units. The artisans prefer sticking to this art-based work and continue this craft as their primary occupation. Capital intensity, labour productivity, profitability constitute important dynamics of growth of this industry.