Examine the features of cottage manufacturing or household industries.

Class 12th Geography, Question -Examine the features of cottage manufacturing or household industries.

Question 6:Examine the features of cottage manufacturing or household
industries.

The correct answer is – Cottage manufacturing or household industries refer to small-scale industrial units that are typically operated from home or in small premises in rural or semi-urban areas. These industries usually involve low capital investment, use of locally available resources, and traditional manufacturing techniques. Some of the key features of cottage manufacturing or household industries are:

  1. Small scale of production: Cottage manufacturing is characterized by small scale production of goods, which is often done using manual labor or simple tools and machinery.

  2. Use of local resources: Cottage industries make use of locally available raw materials, such as wood, bamboo, jute, cotton, and silk. This helps to reduce the cost of production and supports the local economy.

  3. Traditional manufacturing techniques: Many cottage industries rely on traditional manufacturing techniques that have been passed down through generations. These techniques are often labor-intensive and require skilled craftsmanship.

  4. Low capital investment: Cottage industries typically involve low capital investment and can be started with minimal resources, making them accessible to people with limited financial means.

  5. Flexibility: Cottage industries are highly flexible and can adapt to changing market demands and production needs. They can also be easily scaled up or down depending on the availability of resources.

  6. Employment generation: Cottage industries provide employment opportunities to people in rural and semi-urban areas, which helps to reduce unemployment and poverty.

Examples of cottage manufacturing or household industries include pottery, handloom weaving, basket weaving, leatherwork, and handicrafts. These industries play an important role in the development of rural economies and help to preserve traditional crafts and manufacturing techniques. However, they also face several challenges, such as lack of access to credit, low bargaining power, and competition from mass-produced goods.