Shankar Tayal

Cottage Industries:
1. A cottage industry is a small-scale, decentralized manufacturing business often operated out of a home rather than a purpose-built factory.
2. Cottage industries are defined by the amount of investment required to start, as well as the number of people employed. They often focus on the production of labor-intensive goods rather factory based goods.
3. The products and services created by cottage industry are often unique and distinctive given the fact that they are usually not mass-produced.
4. Products in this sector often face numerous disadvantages when trying to compete with much larger factory based companies. The principal cottage industries of India are: Hand-loom weaving (cotton, silk, jute, etc.) pottery, washing soap making, conch shell industry, handmade paper industry, horn button industry, mother-of-pearl button industry, cutlery industry.
Features of Cottage Industries
1. Individuals: The industries are organized by individuals having private resources.
2. Production: Small amount of capital is invested in the production. 3. Simple equipment: Simple equipment are used in the production of goods.
4. Indigenous technology: Indigenous technology is used for producing goods.
5. Simple products: Production of simple products in their own premises.
6. Family labor: Cottage industries use family labor and locally available talent.