To encourage the growth of clusters in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, the Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India, has launched National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP). The project is being carried out across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Rajasthan. EDII has been engaged as the Technical Support Agency (TSA) for extending technical assistance to artisan clusters. The Institute has been engaged with various State Rural Livelihood Missions to function as Technical Support Agency particularly for artisanal clusters.
The objectives of Cluster Development initiatives under NRETP include improvement in parameters like increase in wages, turnover, employment (hours/days/months of engagement), number of enterprises, exports etc.
Some key highlights of activities conducted under various clusters are as follows:
Dahod Pottery Cluster, Gujarat
Artisans’ collective named Dahod Pottery Producers’ Company Limited has been formed.
11 Artisan Identity Cards have been issued.
In addition to Trust Building Workshops, 43 artisans were trained in a Skill Upgradation programme.
One day workshop on Financial Literacy was also organized for artisans.
87 artisan cards were approved by the District Industry Commission, and an additional application has been made for 27 artisan cards.
- Kolhapuri Footwear Cluster, Maharashtra
Digital Literacy workshop and Skill and Design Interventions were organized for 90 artisans from 12 villages.
Producer Company has been incorporated as 'Kolhapuri Leather & Chappal Works Producer Company Limited'.
- Channapatna Wooden Toys Cluster, Karnataka
Common Facility Centre has been facilitated.
A Producer Company has been formalized, and the task of enrolling artisans is in progress.
- Badarwas Jacket Cluster, Madhya Pradesh
Badarwas Jacket Cluster acclaimed for its 'Modi Jackets from mill surplus'. EDII took the onus of training women artisans to improve finesse of the products developed, add value, and adopt new patterns and design. EDII partnered with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar, to equip the women artisans with necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their craftsmanship and foster Skill Upgradation training in association with NIFT, thus training 20 artisans in latest techniques, cuts, and patterns.
A Producer Company has been formalized, with women artisans as shareholders.