India takes pride in its rich legacy of centuries-old crafts from handloom weaving and pottery to metalwork and leather goods, to name a few. Most of these crafts when addressed in clusters of enterprises they derive certain distinct benefit on account of economies of scale and scope. Under the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP), the institute has been spearheading various interventions that support artisan producer companies, across states. EDII, functioning as Technical Support Agency (TSA) to State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), is engaged in providing technical assistance to approximately 1767 artisans in six clusters. Dr. Rajesh Gupta is the Project Director. Significant activities across some clusters, over the last two months, include the following:
Shri Charanjit Singh, Former Additional Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, visited the Badarwas Jacket Producer Company Limited on February 16, 2026. Shri Singh had shared valuable points regarding institutional management, operational efficiency and enhancing the cluster’s overall sustainability. Along with the EDII team, Shri Singh also interacted with the Board of Directors on how the producer company could progressively move towards stronger self-governance and independent management in the future.
Smt. Yashni Nagarajan (IAS), the CEO, Satara Zilla Parishad, visited the Common Facility Centre of the Kolhapuri Leather and Chappal Works Producer Company Limited on 6 February 2026 to review the current production and design development. The producer company participated in a Buyer-Seller Meet during Mahalaxmi Trade SARAS Mumbai 2026 held on 26 February 2026, enabling interaction of artisans with potential buyers and promotion of Kolhapuri products.
The artisans of Dahod Pottery cluster were connected with the clay supplier and other technically-sound practitioners in the field to address raw material-related issues and enhance furnace firing techniques through improved temperature control and optimal batch management. Technical improvements in machinery and guidance on developing new mould designs were also imparted to increase production capacity and ensure product diversification.
The Channapatna Toy Producer Company Limited, Karnataka, participated in Raichur Utsava 2026 during 5–6 February 2026 to strengthen its market presence. The event helped the cluster promote traditional wooden toy-making skills and achieve good sales and customer feedback on product quality and design.
A 21-day Skill Training Programme (2–23 February 2026) was successfully conducted at the Dausa cluster, upgrading artisans’ skill levels, particularly in the use of new techniques and craftsmanship. The artisans were trained by an experienced master trainer. They underwent hands-on sessions aimed at refining precision, finishing techniques and overall production processes.