The story
Etikoppaka, on the banks of the Varaha river, has made lacquered toys for about four centuries. Artisans turn soft ankudu wood on lathes and colour it with lac mixed with natural dyes from seeds, bark and leaves. The toys are smooth, rounded and free of toxic paint. Etikoppaka Toys carry a GI tag.
In numbers
No published source we could open prints current numbers for this cluster.
GI tag
- Etikoppaka ToysApplication no. GI application no. 482Registration details of Geographical Indications (IP India GI Registry)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Non-toxic toys for urban parents and export
- Natural lac dye making
- Craft tourism near Visakhapatnam
Problems the cluster faces
- Shortage of ankudu wood
- Plastic and imported toys
- Limited marketing reach
Businesses to start here
Wooden Toy Making (Lacquer Turned Toys) →Wooden Toys and Decorative Pieces →Lac Production →