State-led initiative for artisans in Gujarat sees sales reach over Rs 25 crore, breaks record of 50 years

The Garvi-Gurjari stalls and outlets specialise in selling handloom and handicraft products across Gujarat and other states of the country.

Commenting on the significance of the government initiatives in the empowerment of the state artisans, Sandu said, “We are extremely proud of the record sales milestone, which is a testament to our team’s dedication, hard work and continuous support from the central and state governments.”

While the exceptional and unparalleled craftsmanship of the Gujarati artisans played a crucial role in touching the milestone, we will continue to empower them and support sustainable livelihoods “while preserving Gujarat’s rich handloom heritage,” said Sandhu.

The corporation had purchased products worth Rs 19.21 crores from around 7200 artisans spread across the state. While it achieved sales of Rs 13 crore through its centres in the country, it generated Rs 12 crore sales through monthly fairs and exhibitions across the country.

The key factors that added to the milestone include various high-profile meetings including G-20 Summits held in Gujarat, and events hosted for domestic and foreign investors during Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.

On Thursday, the state government issued an official statement saying that initiatives like ‘One District One Product’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ identified traditional handicrafts and reached new customers. This year “Garvi Gurjari had identified prime locations for exhibitions in advance, providing an exceptional shopping experience for buyers across the country,” the statement said.

While the cities from Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad held the maximum number of exhibitions, the experience at the exhibition was enhanced due to “the presence of master artisans and award-winning craftsmen,” it said.

Further, a dedicated team of designers consistently introduced innovative designs that retained the essence of traditional culture while infusing modern elements. These designs attracted new customers as they catered to their demands.

For skill development and empowering artisans and improving the quality of production, Garvi Gurjari has signed an MoU with NIFT for design training. Additionally, skill training workshops organised by NID and the ones organised by the master artisans trained at NIFT have equipped artisans with the skills and knowledge to produce high-quality handloom products.