The Hindu : Kerala News : Small products of lasting value

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Friday, Aug 01, 2008
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Kerala

Small products of lasting value

In a consumer market dominated by multinational products, items with a rural tag have a separate clientele. There are people who prefer articles produced in an environment-friendly way.

This category, though a minority among the vast consumer base, is the lifeline of outlets selling products of khadi and village industries in the city.

Food items, healthcare products and cosmetics are among the wide range available there.

Products such as toilet soaps, washing soaps, detergents, shampoo, honey, fruit jam, pickles, mosquito repellents and handloom cloth materials do have a distinct identity of their own.

These are made by individuals at home or by small village communities with a low capital investment.

Hundreds of villagers earn a livelihood through these production centres, mostly situated in rural areas.

The items are sold at a low margin of profit and hence they do not get publicity unlike most of the branded products in the market, says Murali, the manager of a sales outlet in the city.

But that is no reason for him to get disappointed because there is steady demand for most of the products.

Handloom textile items made in the conventional way create an impression of grandeur among many a customer.

There is also a range of dress material for those who prefer trendy designs.

The apparel may not be able to withstand the stiff competition in a market marked by glossy publicity blitz, but they do proudly stand out in the fashionable world. These products coming from the villages have a strength and beauty that none can take away.

R. Ramabhadran Pillai

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