Varanasi's wooden toy industry booms to 40 crore turnover, Padma Shri awardee lauds significance

Varanasi’s wooden toy industry, once facing collapse, is now experiencing remarkable growth with an annual turnover of around Rs 45 crore, providing employment opportunities, especially for women. Renowned craftsman and Padma Shri awardee, Godavari Singh, attributes the industry’s resurgence to its deep historical roots dating back thousands of years and Prime Minister Modi’s interventions, particularly through initiatives like the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.

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Singh underscores the industry’s diversity, consisting of wood carving, sculpture, and general woodwork. Increased publicity and online sales have significantly boosted business, with exports expanding to markets in Canada, France, America, and Japan. However, challenges persist, such as the shortage of eucalyptus wood due to competition from ply manufacturers.