Crochet Lace Award

The Narsapuram crochet lace is celebrated for its exquisite delicacy and intricate patterns (including floral, geometric, and mythological designs). It is a vital cottage industry and a global export:

• Employment Powerhouse: The craft directly employs an estimated 15,000 to over 1,00,000 women artisans in Narsapuram and the surrounding 19 mandals of the Godavari region. This is primarily a home-based vocation, offering a crucial source of supplementary, and often primary, income for women, helping them achieve financial independence.
• Global Export: Narsapuram lace products—which range from garments, accessories, and handbags to home furnishings like bedspreads, cushion covers, and tablecloths—are exported to markets in the USA, UK, and France.
• Historical Resilience: The tradition, introduced by Scottish missionaries in the 19th century, has survived major crises, including the Indian Famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929), proving its enduring cultural value.

Doubling Down on Recognition (GI Tag)

This ODOP award builds upon the craft’s prior, critical recognition:

• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: The Narsapuram Crochet Lace craft was officially registered in the GI Registry, certifying its unique geographic origin and method of production to the Godavari region. This tag provides legal protection against cheap, machine-made imitations (often from countries like China) and helps secure its premium status in the global market.