Asha Handicraft

Asha Handicrafts is a not-for-profit making body, based in Mumbai, India, working to promote Fair Trade and Fair Trade practices. As a member organization of the International Fair Trade Association [IFAT], Asha Handicrafts ensures that the benefits of handicraft production reach the craftspeople themselves.

Asha Handicrafts Association is a society formed with the objective of preserving crafts of India through marketing them abroad and providing training in craft development.

India has always been renowned for its rich silk fabrics, woodcarvings and carpets. However, many of these products are produced in conditions of abject poverty for the craftsmen, exploited by large producers and moneylenders.

Since its establishment in 1975, Asha Handicrafts Association has given marketing support to various groups of small producers and craftsmen co-operatives. Asha fosters Fair Trade practices to aid marginalized and small scale handicraft producers.

It is a single organization having two distinct divisions: one is engaged in Trading and other is their Resource Center that oversees welfare programs, training activities as well as crafts promotion and producer development.

By purchasing directly from the artisan groups and offering advance payments on orders, Asha increases the income levels of producer groups and prevents the accumulation of long-term debts.

Asha gives the artisans an opportunity to improve their living standards and continue with their livelihoods - the tradition of Indian Crafts. Asha also provides training and teaching facilities, establishing new local groups of craftsmen.