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ASRLM (Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission) hosted the Bohagi Mela at Mangaldai Jayanta
Hazarika Udyan on 19 April, 2024. The SVEP-supported entrepreneurs of Assam got an
opportunity to showcase their handicraft and handloom products at the Bohagi fair. They
also connected with potential customers, gained valuable feedback to enhance their
business prospects.

Accelerating Cluster Development
…National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP)

Empowering Kolhapuri Leather Cluster

The Board of Directors, Office bearers & Master artisans from Kolhapuri Leather Cluster and Chappal
Works Producer Company Ltd. came together for an insightful Managerial Training Programme from
02-04 May, 2024. The program covered a wide range of topics essential for effective cluster
development and business growth. These included, Cluster Development Strategies, Building Trust
and Social Capital, Legal and Statutory Compliances, Leadership Roles and Responsibilities,
Production Management, Leather Value Chain Analysis and Marketing and Business Development.

Board of Directors of Kolhapuri Leather & Chappal Works Producer Co. Limited (L-R), Company
Secretary, Mr. Sushant Kulkarni (Centre); (7th from R) Mr. Sanjay Rana, State Anchor; (6th from R)
Mr. Mantri Sai Naresh, Nodal Incharge of Kolhapuri Cluster; Office-bearers of Kolhapuri Cluster
and Master Artisan of Kolhapuri Chappal.

Artisan Clusters and Producer Companies Deliberate on Best Practices
A 3-day write-shop from May 9 – 11, 2024 was organized on EDII to provide a platform to key
stakeholders from four states (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka) and artisan
clusters to discuss best practices related to the development of producer companies supporting
them. Producer Company leaders from the Kolhapur Chappal Cluster, Dahod Pottery Cluster,
Badarwas Jacket Cluster, and Channapatna Wooden Toys Cluster were a part of this platform, in
addition to the National Mission Manager for Non-Farm sectors, State Rural Livelihood Mission
officials, and NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) experts. They deliberated on the various
aspects impacting cluster dynamics such as; marketing and branding strategies, stakeholder roles and
responsibilities, internal governance structures and related areas. At the core of brainstorming
sessions and discussions was the focus on success and sustainability of artisan clusters and
understanding the factors necessary for the growth and empowerment of Producer Companies.

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