The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has launched a cluster development programme for three traditional tribal crafts in Tamil Nadu and Odisha, seeking to move beyond conventional welfare interventions and build sustainable, market-linked livelihood opportunities for artisans.
“Under the programme, each cluster will get a training-cum-production facility and a business development centre. The centres will support production, storage, packaging, branding, marketing and order management. The focus will also be on creating products that can appeal to contemporary consumers.
The Toda cluster is slated to develop 70-80 contemporary and premium products across utility and lifestyle, art and luxury textiles, and mementos, souvenirs and corporate gifting. The Dongria and Kotpad clusters are each to develop 40 new or upgraded products.
The Dongria and Kotpad clusters will receive facilities for stitching and weaving, while the Kotpad unit will also cover natural dyeing,” she said. “All three will receive contemporary, culturally rooted and eco-friendly packaging carrying their respective brand identities,” said Chopra.
Market access will be pursued through social media, websites, retail networks and business-to-business partnerships. The clusters will also be supported in developing distinctive brand identities and establishing direct links with potential buyers. Artisan cards and appropriate legal structures such as societies, producer companies or Van Dhan Vikas Kendras are envisaged to strengthen institutional sustainability.
