Yogi Govt Pushes CFCs to Empower More Artisans with Modern Tech, Training & Markets

The Yogi government is continuously working to strengthen traditional industries, handicrafts, weaving, and micro enterprises in the state. The government aims to ensure that the Common Facility Centres (CFCs) established under the ODOP scheme benefit a larger number of artisans, weavers, and micro entrepreneurs by connecting them with modern technology, training, and marketing facilities, rather than remaining limited to a few individuals. With this objective, a detailed review of 16 CFC projects operating across the state was conducted on Tuesday.

During the meeting, it was stated that Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath had expressed concern over the limited number of beneficiaries in several CFCs and clearly stated that the benefits of these schemes should not remain confined to only a few members.

Keeping this in mind, the CFC projects have been designed with up to 90 percent government subsidy and a 10 percent contribution from entrepreneurs, enabling small entrepreneurs to access facilities such as modern machinery, design, testing, skill training, and common tools.

MSME, Khadi and Village Industries, Silk, Handloom and Textile Minister Rakesh Sachan directed officials during the review meeting to connect CFCs more closely with public interest through extensive awareness campaigns so that a larger number of people can benefit from these facilities.

Officials were instructed to use mobile messaging, pamphlets, Industry Bandhu meetings, and media platforms for outreach. Directions were also issued to display a ‘Citizen Charter’ at all CFCs to provide people with clear information about available services.

The meeting reviewed projects from several districts including Ambedkar Nagar, Moradabad, Sambhal, Varanasi, Khurja, Agra, Meerut, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Ayodhya, and Ghaziabad.

In the Ambedkar Nagar Weaver CFC, established with assistance of nearly Rs 4 crore, emphasis was placed on increasing the number of beneficiaries so that more weavers can access modern facilities. Similarly, discussions were held on strategies to expand outreach of facilities provided under the Banaras Silk Products CFC, which has received assistance of nearly Rs 9 crore.

During the meeting, weavers and artisans also raised issues related to electricity, yarn costs, market competition, and technological upgradation. Officials informed that the Yogi government had continued the flat-rate electricity scheme for weavers for several years, under which the government bore electricity expenses amounting to nearly Rs 44 crore from 2006 to March 31, 2023.

The government’s priority is to help people associated with traditional arts and handicrafts move forward with modern technology and become self-reliant.

During the review of the engineering and tool room-based CFC in Ghaziabad, officials informed that modern facilities such as CNC machines, 3D printing, material testing, and skill training are being provided there. More than 500 youths have been trained so far, and efforts are also underway to explore opportunities for manufacturing components for the defence sector.

The meeting also discussed strengthening the operational efficiency of the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) plant in Moradabad, which was described as an example of environmentally friendly technology.

In the Sambhal button industry CFC, utilization of more than 70 percent capacity was described as a positive sign, while emphasis was laid on improving the availability of raw materials and electricity.

The Khurja Black Pottery CFC was cited as a model of success during the meeting. More than 1,253 beneficiaries are associated with the project, and business turnover has increased from Rs 15-20 lakh to nearly Rs 90-95 lakh. It was described as an excellent example of connecting traditional art with modern markets. Artisans also raised a demand for additional land for clay storage during the meeting.

The Saharanpur Wood Craft, Agra Leather Cluster, and jaggery processing CFCs in Bareilly and Meerut were also reviewed. Efforts made in the Meerut project to connect 1,800 farmers and promote value addition were appreciated.

Officials were further directed to organize Udyog Bandhu meetings within CFC premises and establish coordination with large industrial units to connect small enterprises with bigger markets and supply chains.

P•TAL Closes $3M Series A to Expand Heritage Metalware Brand Worldwide; Connecticut Innovations Makes First India Bet

• The round was led by VC Grid and Rainmatter by Nithin Kamath.
• P•TAL generates over 55% of its business from global markets and is actively expanding its presence.

P•TAL (Punjab Thathera Art Legacy), India’s handcrafted copper, brass, and bronze brand blending heritage with modern lifestyle, has raised USD 3 million in its Series A round to bolster its presence in India and accelerate growth across global markets. The round was led by VC Grid, bringing together a powerful community of family offices and accomplished founders, including Ekamya Ventures, the Salarpuria Group, LNB Group and several other marquee backers and Rainmatter, the fund backed by Nithin Kamath of Zerodha.

Connecticut Innovations, the US-based venture firm, also participated, marking its first investment in an Indian company. The round saw participation from Anicut Capital, Zero Pearl VC, Jaipur Rugs Family Office, Ramakant Sharma (Livspace), Sanjay Kapoor (Genesis Luxury by Reliance), Avnish Anand (Caratlane), Shibam Das (Atomberg), and Dr Ritesh Malik (Innov8).

P•TAL’s exports to the US, UK, Europe, and the Middle East account for more than 55% of its total business. The brand now aims to deepen expansion across these regions, driven by growing demand for sustainable, wellness-focused lifestyle products. Over the next three to five years, its international business is projected to contribute over 75% of overall revenue. Investments will be directed towards product innovation, technology-led supply chain efficiencies, and empowering artisan communities in India.

On the funding announcement, Aditya Agrawal, Co-founder and CEO of P•TAL said “This fundraise is not just capital; it means something deeper for us. It’s a partnership with visionary investors, who believe as deeply as we do in the revival of beauty and the benefits of traditional metals like brass, copper and bronze and their place in the global homes and kitchens. We stand at the intersection of timeless heritage and modern utility, and this partnership fuels our mission to take P•TAL from the homes of India’s artisans to households across the world. With this backing, we are poised to scale globally, reimagining what ‘Made in India’ means: craft that carries soul, design that speaks the future, and products that are healthy and last generations. This is just the beginning, and together, we are building a brand that will make India proud on the world stage.”

“P•TAL is a rare blend of purpose and performance — rooted in a strong ethos while charting a disciplined growth trajectory. By reviving a centuries-old craft and empowering artisan communities, the founders are building a brand with global resonance. At VC Grid, we are excited to back founders who combine clarity of vision with deep purpose, and with this growth capital, we believe P•TAL is poised to become both a household name and a global ambassador of Indian craftsmanship and conscious living.” said Vansh Oberoi, Founder & Managing Partner, VC Grid

Speaking on the investment, Nithin Kamath, Founder & CEO, Zerodha said, “P•TAL has built an ecosystem that honours traditional craftsmanship by empowering artisan families. It is remarkable that these artisans have increased their earning potential from about Rs 2,500 to Rs 60,000, with one of them even holding ESOPs in the company. With a majority of the revenue coming from outside India, it is encouraging to see Indian heritage crafts finding their place across the world.”

Building on its growing consumer traction, P•TAL also secured an all-sharks deal on Shark Tank India Season 3. This milestone spotlighted the brand’s vision and reinforced investor confidence in its potential to scale globally. The company’s revenues have climbed from ₹5 crore ARR to ₹50 crore ARR since its previous fundraise, underscoring the brand’s rapid scale-up. Today, P•TAL serves quality-conscious households and wellness enthusiasts globally, with 60% of international revenue coming from foreign buyers. The company is targeting ₹150 crore ARR within the next twelve months, aiming to cement its position as a profitable, sustainable luxury brand redefining Indian craftsmanship worldwide.

About P-TAL:

Launched as a student initiative at Shri Ram College of Commerce by Aditya Agrawal, Kirti Goel, and Gaurav Garg, P•TAL has evolved into a fast-scaling premium lifestyle brand. The company partners with 100+ artisan families, raising their monthly incomes from as little as ₹2,000 to over ₹60,000, while safeguarding a 500-year-old legacy. P•TAL’s flagship stores in Delhi—GK-1 and Vasant Kunj—are complemented by a digital presence on Shopify, Amazon, Instamart, Blinkit, and global marketplaces.

With its philosophy of “Artful Utility”, P•TAL is blending heritage, health, and design to build India’s first truly global heritage and lifestyle brand. Positioned at the intersection of wellness, sustainability, and conscious luxury, the company is primed to tap into a $1 billion premium kitchenware market in India and a $10 billion-plus global opportunity.

Scheme To Extend MSME Loans/Credits To Artisans, Craftspeople Launching on Vishwakarma Jayanti

Now Artisans too can avail MSME loans: D. Chandrasekhar, ADC, Ministry of MSME, Govt of India.

PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme will be launched in Hyderabad and Warangal on 17th Sept: MSME Ministry Official

The PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme is expected to revive the rich Indian craft traditions and encourage the artisans to enrich the heritage, said – D. Chandrasekhar, Addl Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, Govt of India.

He was the chief guest at the Inauguration of the three-day Industrial & Engg Expo (Indexpo), supported by the MSME Ministry, Government of India with a focus on the future of manufacturing. The expo is currently underway till this Sunday.

Organised by Indore Infoline, it is their 7th edition.

It is supported by the MSME Ministry, NSIC Cherlapally Industries Association and other trade associations.

D. Chandrashekar ADC of MSME (Extreme Ieft in Jacket) Ministry Seen Inaugurating Indexpo

Speaking further the official said the PM Vishwakarma scheme aimed to provide credit to artisans and craftspeople is set to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti on September 17. It will be launched in Hyderabad and Warangal in Telangana by various Ministers and officials, he said. 

The scheme will extend loans of up to Rs 1 lakh to artisans at an incredibly low interest rate of 5%. This interest rate is significantly lower than prevailing market rates, enabling artisans to access credit without the burden of exorbitant interest charges.

Nearly three lakh artisans are said to be benefitted across India. In Telangana, a significant number of artisans are said to benefit in Telangana.

MSME has financed 57 exhibitors out of 100 to exhibit their products in the IndExpo. We plan to support 17 exhibitions every year, D. Chandrasekhar said.

Mr Raj Kumar Agrawal, MD of Indore Infoline, the organizer of the expo said IndExpo allows industry professionals and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements and trends in the manufacturing industry.

The future of industrial engineering is designing and manufacturing more flexible, connected, and adaptable machines, said Mr Raj Kumar Agrawal.

The Indexpo aims to bring together leading players, manufacturers, suppliers’ experts, and innovators from the industrial manufacturing and service sector under one roof.

Industrial Safety Equipment Seen at INDEXPO at Hitex

The event is set to be a hub of knowledge-sharing, networking, and business growth.

100 Exhibitors are showcasing 20,000+ Products like Hand Tools, Machine Tools, Robotics, industrial automation, solar power plants, electricals and electronics, safety products and many other industry-specific products said Rajkumar Agrawal, Managing Director, Indore Infoline Pvt Ltd.

eSARAS Mobile App Launched to Market Products Made by Women of Self-Help Groups

Taking another step of strengthening marketing support for products made by women of Self-help Groups (SHGs), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) launched eSARAS mobile App which will add to eCommerce initiatives for products made by the SHGs.

Currently available for Android phones, eSaras is essentially an online platform to buy Indian handicraft items, handloom items. The e-commerce platform as well as the app have been developed for the enhancement of the livelihood of the rural people. This online platform showcases the products made by self-managed Self Help Groups (SHGs) and federated institutions.

The App was launched by Mr Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Govt of India at New Delhi. Mr Singh also inaugurated eSARAS Fulfillment Centre at the Ministry’s Janakpuri office in New Delhi on this occasion.

eSARAS, an e-commerce mobile app, will be used as a more effective platform for marketing of the products made by women of self-help groups. It is an initiative conceptualized by the DAY-NRLM towards the marketing of the best, authentic handicrafts and hand-looms.

Through this online portal, customers get access to 100% authentic handcrafted products emerging straight from the heart of India.

The eSARAS fulfillment centre will be managed by the Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC - a Not for Profit Company constituted jointly by Ministry of Rural Development and Tata Trust) and will be used for processing, packaging and shipping of products that customers purchase through the eSARAS Portal and eSARAS mobile App. It will handle the logistics required to bring an online order to a customer's doorstep.

Launching the App, Secretary Mr Shailesh Kumar Singh termed it as an initiative which promotes the spirit of Vocal for Local even further with easier marketing of products prepared by SHG Didis.

He added that the Ministry is targeting that each SHG Household has at least 2-3 sources of livelihoods. One of the multiple sources of livelihoods of the poor is non-farm enterprise. The major intervention in non-farm livelihoods is provision of market linkages for SHG products. Through the eSARAS mobile App, the handmade products made by SHG Didis are now available at everyone’s fingertips in even more customer friendly way.

Retail Startup Rare Planet raises Pre Series A from Venture Catalysts and Uni-M Ventures

The funding round also saw participation from prominent entrepreneurs such as Sagar Daryani (Co-founder – Wow! Momo), amongst others 

Venture Catalysts, India’s first and largest integrated incubator and accelerator, has recently co-invested in Rare Planet’s Pre Series A Round , an innovative handmade lifestyle retail start-up. Led by Kolkata-based Uni-M Ventures, the round saw the start-up raise an Undisclosed amount from several leading angel investors. Existing investors such as Sagar Daryani (Co-founder – Wow! Momo) also participated in the round, once again demonstrating their faith in the venture’s vision and mission.

Established in 2015 by Ranodeep Saha and Vijay Kumar, Rare Planet aims to promote indigenous Indian handicrafts by empowering local artisans and providing them with sustainable employment opportunities. It has helped more than 2,000 artisan families from rural areas to register an average increase of 120% in their income and aims to do the same for millions of artisans across the country.

Speaking on the investment, Ranodeep Saha, CEO & Co-Founder – Rare Planet, said, “The pandemic has had a major impact on the economy as well as the investment landscape. To secure an investment from top investors such as Venture Catalysts, Uni-M Ventures, and Sagar Daryani, in such a scenario, validates the strength of our business proposition. We remain committed to creating greater value for rural artisans and taking indigenous Indian handicraft items to a much larger audience across the globe keeping the Profits growing quarter on quarter ”

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder & President – Venture Catalysts, said, “The team at Rare Planet is building a unique social enterprise that drives innovation and entrepreneurship while creating equitable socio-economic value. We are fully behind the founding team’s vision to promote indigenous handicrafts and are confident that it can put the Indian arts and handicraft ecosystem firmly on the international map.”

Rare Planet is present in more than 100 locations across India and has retailed more than 5 lakh units worth INR 20crore to date. With the latest investment, it aims to take handmade Indian handicrafts, jewellery, and decor products made from terracotta, copper, ceramic, brass, wood, and marble, etc. to a global stage and disrupt the $8 billion handicrafts market.

Venture Catalysts is India’s first integrated incubator. It invests $250K – $1.5 Million in early stage startups that have potential to create enduring value for over a long period of time. Venture Catalysts brings a lethal combination of Capital, Mentoring and Business Network to help investee companies to succeed. Their innovation provides value to startups through its extensive angel network, funding, community, services and co-working facility.

Tribes India e-Marketplace Launches As India's Largest Handicraft and Organic Products Marketplace

“The Tribes India e-marketplace, India’s largest handicraft and organic products marketplace, is yet another pathbreaking initiative to transform tribal lives and livelihoods. I am happy that despite the pandemic, the team of TRIFED (Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation Of India Limited) Warriors have made sure that the main objective of socio-economic development of tribal people by way of marketing has been adapted to the new normal.” said Shri Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, while speaking at the online launch of the Tribes India E-marketplace (market.tribesindia.com); TRIFED’s new venture which is in line with the vision of the Prime Minister of making India Aatmanirbhar and self-reliant on October 2, 2020. 

This pathbreaking initiative, showcasing the produce and handicrafts of tribal enterprises from across the country and help themmarket their produce/ products directly, is a major leap towards the digitisation of tribal commerce. The virtual launch took place in the presence of Smt Renuka Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Shri Rudra Kumar, Minister, Rural Industry, Chhattisgarh and Shri Deepak Khandekar, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Shri Ramesh Chand Meena, Chairman, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna, Managing Director, TRIFED, senior officials of the Ministry and TRIFED were also present during this virtual launch.

On this occasion, Shri Munda also flagged off several other TRIFED initiatives that are aimed to support the tribal brethren. These include the inauguration of Tribes India’s 123rd and 124th outlets in Rishikesh and Kolkata; inclusion of new tribal product ranges from the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh; partnership of TRIFED/ Tribes India with Amazon in their Seller Flex program. He also launched Pakur Honey by Trifed & Tribes India. It is 100% natural honey which is Multi Floral, Forest Fresh, gathered by Santhal Tribals from Pakur, Jharkhand. Vulnerable Pahadiya Tribes produce Pakur Honey. They have produced 3 Tonnes of Pakur Honey for TRIFED.

Addressing on the occasion, Shri Arjun Munda said that Tribes India e-Marketplace is an ambitious initiative through which TRIFED aims to onboard 5 lakh tribal producers for sourcing of various handicraft, handloom, natural food products across the country and brings to you the best of tribal produce. The suppliers comprise of individual tribal artisans, tribal SHGs, Organisations/ Agencies/ NGOs working with tribals. The platform provides the tribal suppliers with an Omni-channel facility to sell their goods through their own retailers and distributors, TRIFED’s network of Outlets and e-Commerce partners as well as their own account in e-Marketplace.

He said that new TRIFED initiatives to showcase tribal produce and handicrafts will connect tribal forest dwellers and artisans with national and international markets. Such launcheswill further enable the economic welfare of these communities and bring them closer towards mainstream development. It is very heartening to know that two more Tribes India Showrooms are opened in Kolkata and Rishikesh. We have to do our duty to make our country Aatmnirbhar. Ministry of Tribal Affairs is focussing on skill development of tribal artisans to make them more skilled and will provide them market for their tribal products.The collection of Pakur Honey is carried out in an eco-friendly manner on sustainable basis by the local youth. Pure Multiflora Honey is collected from a variety of flowers and floras. It is 100% natural made from pollen and nectar collected by bees.

Shri R.C. Meena in his address said thatTRIFED is striving in its mission to make these initiatives a huge success. It is promoting and doing marketing for useful many tribal products which are not known to others so far. It focusses on the tribal products produced and gathered by small and marginal tribal groups.

Shri Deepak Khandekar in his address said that it is a historic occasion to launch e-market place and also launch of Pakur Honey , gathered by Santhal Tribals from Pakur, Jharkhand, which has very useful medicinal properties. He congratulated TRIFED to open 14 Tribes India showroom.

Shri Pravir Krishna said that the E-Marketplace will help us in onboarding large number of Tribals and Artisans and give them the immediate benefits of online trade. It will also facilitate B2B trade connecting tribals dependent on Minor Forest Produces and Medicinal plants to large buyers /manufacturers. This in turn will help ensure livelihoods for the tribal populations of our country and go a long way in making them self-reliant.

Showcasing tribal products (produce and handicrafts) from all over India one place, the E-marketplace is a state-of-the-art e-commerce platform which can be accessed on the web and also mobile (Android and iOS) for both customers and the tribal vendors registered.

The occasion also witnessed the launch of several other TRIFED initiatives and partnerships which will go a long way in furthering the inclusive growth and empowerment of the tribal artisans and suppliers. 

Two new Tribes India Outlets in Rishikesh and Kolkata: Taking the Prime Minister’s message forward to “Be Vocal for Local” and to promote the livelihood of the tribal artisans through marketing, TRIFED is continuing to expand its retail operations across the country. Two new outlets, Tribes India’s 123rd and 124th outlets inaugurated in Rishikesh and Kolkata respectively.Besides stocking products – arts and crafts from all the 27 Indian states, the outlets will also focus on Van Dhan essentials and immunity boosters – essential products during the ongoing pandemic.

New product ranges from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh: In addition to these initiatives, two new Tribal product ranges from the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh have been included in the Tribes India product line-up. Tribes India also introduces attractive handicrafts and decorative items, all made by tribal artisans from Chhattisgarh. Besides these, there are spices such as turmeric and coriander powder, pickles and tangy drinks like Imli chuski processed from tamarind in Sukna! 

Pakur Honey: The tribal Santhal community of Pakur District, Jharkhand have set an example by exploring the potential of beekeeping commercially. The collection of honey is carried out in an eco-friendly manner on sustainable basis by the local youth. Pure Multiflora Honey is collected from a variety of flowers and floras. It is 100% natural made from pollen and nectar collected by bees. Natural Multiflora honey is a good source of anti-oxidants and antiseptic vitamins, nutrients, enzymes and other herbal properties that no other super-food can provide.It will be available in two different tastes, i.e., Karanj and Multifloral (Wild)

TRIBES INDIA joins Amazon Seller Flex program -

As a step further in its long standing partnership with Amazon, which has enabled sellers and artisans to sell Tribes India products across India and the world, and to accelerate the growth of tribal owned and run handicraft businesses, TRIFED (Tribes India) will now be associated with Amazon’s Seller Flex Program. This program is intended to share Amazon’s best practices in warehousing, inventory management, and shipping with sellers. With Tribes India now a part of the Seller Flex program, the cost of transporting TRIBES India goods to Amazon’s warehouses will be minimized which will allow our artisans and sellers greater control over their inventory. With Seller Flex, Tribes India will be able to run its processes from end to end. The support and expertise from Amazon will help empower thousands of artisans and weavers who are part of Tribes India.