Etikoppaka toy industry on verge of closure

The softwood lacquerware toy business is facing crises that include government apathy, stringent export norms and rising input costs

The over two-century-old legacy of the softwood-lacquerware toy industry in Etikoppaka, a dusty village in Visakhapatnam district, may soon end due to the multiple crises it is facing — government apathy, stringent export norms laid down by the European Union and rising input costs, especially of Ankudu (whose trade name is ivory wood).

“One of the major hurdles is the availability of Ankudu wood (scientific name Wrightia tinctoria), which is most suitable for making toys. We need at least 20 tonnes of Ankudu a month to keep our business up and running. However, the forest department imposes a fine on us if we try to get Ankudu, as there is no legal means of obtaining wood directly from the forest other than buying from vendors,” complained Kasi Koteshwara Rao, vice-president of the Etikoppaka Mutually-Aided Cooperative Society.

The Etikoppaka craft, which originated around 225 years ago, is known for its carvings and artefacts, especially toys, mythological figures and carvings, which are created to resemble the artefacts excavated at the sites of Mohenjodaro and Harappa.

“Our society, comprising 165 artisans, has formed a forest protection committee aimed at conservation of dye-bearing species, plantation and rejuvenating existing root stock. We have planted around 67,000 Ankudu saplings on 120 hectares and have been awaiting permission from the forest department to start harvesting the material for the last four years. Despite numerous representations, forest department officials have been turning a deaf ear,” Rao said.

With no option left, the Etikoppaka artisans are relying solely on a middlemen’s syndicate, which is supplying the raw material for a premium. While one bundle (100 kg) of Ankudu wood used to cost Rs 300 and a bundle of lacquer Rs 325 a year ago, they are now commanding prices of Rs 550 and Rs 600 a bundle now.

“All the artisans together used to do a business of Rs 75,000 a month. Unable to bear the high input costs, we have now restricted ourselves to Rs 40,000,” Rao added.

According to CV Raju, director (design and products) of Padmavati Associates, Etikoppaka lacquerware — including candle stands (south Indian temple pillars) of the Hoysala style, salad bowls, mythological and decorative toys, ear tops and spinning tops — had found a good market overseas too, especially in France, Italy, Germany and the United States.

“However, things are different now. After successful shipment of consignments until 2007, the European Union, Australia and the US are now asking for certifications and eco-friendly compliance markings. These stringent norms have actually impacted our company’s revenues, which are down from Rs 32 lakh a year till 2007 to Rs 8 lakh a year at present. We are currently in the process of approaching the South East European University for modern designs and certification support,” Raju said.

“The artisans’ society, yet again, is putting forth a proposal to the forest department to regularise the supply of ivory wood. If the department doesn’t respond positively to our appeals, our industry is sure to end up as history in the next couple of years,” Rao added.