20 artisans showcase traditional crafts at one-day empanelment fair; focus on branding, digital marketing and entrepreneurship to boost livelihoods
TFP Bureau, Dhamtari, August 22, 2026: Tribal artisans, artists and entrepreneurs in Dhamtari district are set to gain wider market access with the organisation of a one-day Tribal Artisan Empanelment Fair aimed at connecting their traditional skills and products with national and international markets.
The fair was jointly organised by the district administration and the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, at the Livelihood College in Dhamtari.
Twenty local artists and artisans set up stalls at the event, displaying a diverse range of traditional and contemporary products. Eligible artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and tribal entrepreneurs were also given an opportunity to seek empanelment with TRIFED.
TRIFED empanelment to open wider markets
District Panchayat President Arun Sarva, who attended the event as chief guest, said the initiative would provide tribal artisans with an effective platform to showcase their skills beyond local markets.
He said empanelment with TRIFED could provide artisans opportunities to participate in state and national exhibitions, Tribal India outlets, fairs and other marketing activities. Such linkages, he added, could help local products reach wider markets and create additional sources of income for artisans.
Digital platforms highlighted as new marketing tools
Collector Abinash Mishra said livelihood initiatives should be viewed not merely as income-generating activities but also as instruments of social and economic empowerment.
He urged artisans to make greater use of the internet and social media to showcase their products and connect directly with potential customers. Digital platforms, he said, could help artisans expand their customer base and improve the market potential of their products.
Focus on processing, branding and packaging
The Collector also highlighted the potential of the district’s forest-based resources and advised young people and tribal entrepreneurs to focus on scientific processing, branding and attractive packaging.
He pointed to the growing demand for Ayurvedic and organic products and suggested that value addition to forest produce such as shatavari, lac and tamarind could generate better returns.
He also encouraged tribal entrepreneurs and youth to take advantage of government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.
Special training batch for tribal artisans
Mishra announced plans to create a special training batch for tribal artisans from the district. The proposed training will focus on social media marketing, branding, packaging, market management and product presentation.
The initiative is intended to help artisans combine their traditional skills with modern entrepreneurial practices and develop sustainable businesses.
Traditional art gets platform for wider recognition
J.L. Dhruv, president of Sarva Adivasi Samaj, said tribal communities possess a rich heritage of culture, traditional knowledge, art and craftsmanship.
He said providing appropriate market linkages to tribal artisans could significantly improve their incomes and living standards while giving Dhamtari’s traditional art forms greater recognition at the national level.
Wide range of products displayed
Visitors and officials inspected products displayed at the stalls and interacted with artisans about their production processes, demand, markets and income potential.
The exhibition featured textiles and handicrafts, metal crafts, organic and natural products, pottery, bamboo and cane products, tribal jewellery, gift articles, utility products and paintings.
Step towards TRIFED marketing network
The Assistant Commissioner for Tribal Development described the fair as an important step towards connecting Dhamtari’s tribal artisans and entrepreneurs with TRIFED’s wider marketing network.
Eligible artisans, SHGs, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, FPOs and tribal entrepreneurs were encouraged to make use of such platforms and showcase their products to larger markets.
Deputy Director (Agriculture) Manish Sahu, Deputy Director (Panchayat) Nakul Verma, Assistant Director (Livelihood) Sandeep Gannade, an Assistant Manager from the Industries Department, public representatives, officials, tribal artisans, artists, entrepreneurs and community members attended the event.
