Karkaushal Producer Company Limited, established in April 2022, is a dynamic entity operating in the Devki Galol area of Jetpur, District-Rajkot, Gujarat. The producer company has been formed with the support of O/o The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Ministry Of Textiles, Govt Of India. The primary goal of the organization is to facilitate the growth of income among their cluster artisans, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and drive formalization in the cluster. The company envisions transforming traditional Indian handicrafts into professionally managed, self-reliant community enterprise. 

 

The producer company comprises of 500 all women artisans of the rural area Devki Galol, Jetpur Taluka, Rajkot district. They are practicing crafts like Hand Embroidery, Bead Work, Thread Work, Mirror Work etc. The member artisans being the shareholders of the producer companies actively participate and contribute in all functional areas for successful business entity. The Producer Companies provides competitive edge to the member artisans and enhances their capacities for large scale production, quality compliance and timely supplies. The purpose of the PC with the artisans as members is to make the artisans self-reliant, ATMA NIRBHAR.

 

The company’s mission is to promote and empower women from these villages. The goal is not just to provide a livelihood or employment but to empower women to become contributing members of their families and society. The company aims to help women develop a clear understanding of the social, political, and economic factors affecting their lives and strengthen their awareness of their potential power to control their own lives.

The core focus is on providing skill-building and skill-upgradation, particularly for artisans traditionally involved in handicraft making, thereby significantly improving their income. Since most of these artisans are women, this naturally leads to a direct and meaningful contribution to alleviating poverty at the grassroots level of our society. One of their key policies is to offer these opportunities to those residing in the most remote locations.

 

 

1) Tool-Kits Distribution: Under the National Handicrafts Development Program (NHDP), Karkaushal Producer Company Ltd distributed 100 improved tool-kits in Devki Galol, District Rajkot. Tools and skilled hands being the two jewels of handicraft sector that are critical for productivity enhancement. Latest tools help in production of uniform quality products at larger scale. Scale-up of production and uniformity of quality are key ingredients for survival in the highly competitive international handicrafts market. This initiative equipped craftspeople with essential tools and equipment to enhance their skills and productivity.

 

2) Design and Technical Development Workshops: The organization organized two 25-day Design and Technical Development Workshops in Devki Galol. The workshop focuses on fulfilling the current design needs of the market and aims to develop new designs/prototypes as per present requirements of the handicraft sector using existing skills of artisans. These workshops, featuring participation from NIFT designers, enriched artisans with technical knowledge, improved product quality, and ensured alignment with evolving design trends. The prototypes were developed as per suggestions made in market survey & intelligence report and designs/sketches developed by the appointed designers.

 

 

3) Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDP): With the support of Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Karkaushal Producer Company Limited conducted two Entrepreneurship Development Programs in Devki Galol. Aim of the program was to impart entrepreneurial skills among target group artisans from the cluster in conceiving, planning and venture upon an enterprise successfully. The main objective of the project was to enhance the knowledge and skill of artisans, through structured training program. The program improved the entrepreneurial skill among artisans desiring to establish and successfully run an enterprise. EDP Program was held for 6 days and covered following topics; a) General Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Role of Entrepreneurs, types of enterprises, Documents required, Procedure and facilities available for establishing enterprise, risk factors and Entrepreneurial behavior b) Fundamental knowledge on Marketing, Exports, Packaging and Promotion, Communication Skill, Design, Quality compliances, Merchandising, Pricing, Customer Behavior, Retail stores. c) Fundamental knowledge on financial aspects such as Accounts, Insurance, Banking facilities, GST, Documents required and procedure for availing credit. d) Awareness on waste management, Disaster Management. 

 

4) Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme: The organisation organised two batches of Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme sponsored by The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The duration of the program was 3 days each. It comprised of interaction and knowledge sharing session with craft persons, entrepreneurs, students, academicians, scholars etc. Aim of the program was to spread awareness about Indian handicrafts, and the heritage, culture and tradition associated with it. The members of the producer company conducted live demonstration and making of artifacts to promote handicrafts among the visitors. The program helped general public to understand complex skill, hardship and creativity involved in making artifacts. This induced the buying urge for handicrafts items among the public and simultaneously helped artisans build up their business relations. Resource persons explained about the Crafts, its history, importance, value and other related features during the programme.

 

5) One day Seminar:  With the support of Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Karkaushal Producer Company Limited conducted two Seminars in Rajkot comprising of 50 artisans each. The main aim of the seminars was to sensitize the cluster artisans associated with Handicrafts Sector at different stages on the importance of Marketing, Design and Technology Up-gradation, Enhancement of Skill, GST, GEM portal, E Commerce platform participation in virtual fairs, Procedure of GI registration, Mudra Loan, Artisan ID cards, PFMS including cashless transactions, export formalities including custom clearance and availing of duty drawback, Entrepreneurial skills, Communication, Packaging and Brand Promotion, Quality compliance, Safety measures, Waste management, Product pricing etc.

 

6) Thematic Exhibition: The organisation organised a thematic exhibition at Rajkot for 10 days sponsored by The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. 20 artisans participated in the exhibition. They displayed their craft in their stalls for selling. The aim to organise this exhibition was to provide direct marketing platform to the artisans.  Such marketing platforms assist the artisans to sell their products directly to the buyers and enable them to establish market linkages for long term business and income generation.

 

7) Study cum Exposure Tour:  The organisation organised a study cum exposure tour to Kutch for 5 artisans. The study tour was sponsored by The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The main purpose was to provide exposure to the best practices prevailing, through field visit. So that the artisans would be able to learn and adopt best practices, methodologies, process and upgrade themselves giving them competitive advantage. Study Tour helped them Study and understand the existing market practices. Present market trend and consumer behaviour. Upgrade their production capacity observing quality compliances. Understand and adopt latest technology that can assist them in scaling up their production. They also collected specimen sample of the products of the visited areas. It enhanced their knowledge towards production, design, diversification, marketing and business of artifacts and need for networking with business houses.

 

8) Design Innovation and Market Response: Karkaushal Producer Company Limited dedicated efforts to design innovation, aligning its creations with market trends. The success of these endeavors manifested in the acquisition of orders for their products, reflecting a positive market response. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving its targets and furthering its goals.

 

9) Women Empowerment Initiatives: The company is deeply committed to empowering its members, particularly women. The foundation organized Women Education Camps to impart valuable knowledge and skills related to crafts. Additionally, recreational activities such as picnics and shows were organized to foster a sense of community. The company also facilitated women’s tailoring classes, imparting skills in tailoring, embroidery, and knitting, thereby promoting self-reliance among women.

 

In conclusion, Karkaushal Producer Company Limited stands as a beacon of change in the traditional handicraft sector. Its multifaceted initiatives, from enhancing artisan skills to fostering entrepreneurship and empowering women, demonstrate a holistic approach to community development. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to growth, the organization paves the way for a brighter future for artisans and the Indian handicraft industry.