Bead industry booms in Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, July 4 : The business of bead manufacturing is witnessing a boom in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi city.

Beads from India are in great demand in Africa, Europe and Arabian countries, with orders increasing every year.

Exporters of beads in bulk and bead accessories clarify that the global increase in the prices of precious metals like gold and silver has boosted the demand for imitation jewellery and hence the beads.

"We export the beads to buyers all over the world. They are popularly worn as necklaces and bracelets. As gold and silver have become costly in recent times, so these things are used more abroad. People buy them loose and in strings," said Rajkumar Shrivastava, Executive Manager, Banaras Beads.

"Many people make necklaces out of a string or bracelets and earrings out of the string. Some buy loose and make jewellery by collecting designs from elsewhere. A product lasts for six months," he added.

Despite the bead industry witnessing a boom in the recent times, the manufacturers, however, feel that the government support is much needed in the cottage industry.

"We want government aid for product development and skill development because in this industry, the cost of raw material is very low. Major investment is the labour," said Ashok Gupta, Managing Director, Banaras Beads.