Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on August 10 highlighted the importance of promoting the state’s handloom, handicraft and cottage industries, while also giving a push to their online expansion. At a state-level Weaver-Artisan Honour Ceremony held at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal, the Chief Minister launched the Mrignayani E-Commerce Website and ODOP Mart MP portal to connect local products with national and global markets.
During the event, CM Mohan Yadav also tried his hand at pottery and made a Shivling on a traditional clay wheel. He interacted with weavers and artisans, learned about their craft and praised their contribution to preserving Madhya Pradesh’s cultural heritage.
CM Mohan Yadav Honours Weavers, Artisans and Artists
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the cultural and historical heritage of Madhya Pradesh is rich, and weavers and artisans play an important role in preserving this legacy.
He said the government is committed to supporting skilled weavers, dedicated artisans and artists associated with cottage and village industries.
The Chief Minister congratulated 15 outstanding artists and weavers who were honoured during the event.
The awardees received:
- First Prize: ₹1 lakh
- Second Prize: ₹50,000
- Third Prize: ₹15,000
- Certificate of appreciation along with the respective awards
CM Yadav highlighted products such as Chanderi kurtas, Maheshwari sarees, Bagh shawls and zari bags, saying these traditional products represent the pride of Madhya Pradesh.
Two E-Commerce Portals Launched to Promote Local Products
A major highlight of the event was the launch of two e-commerce platforms aimed at taking Madhya Pradesh’s traditional products to a wider market.
The portals will help weavers, artisans, micro and small enterprises and producers of One District One Product (ODOP) items access customers beyond traditional marketplaces.
The initiative is aligned with the vision of “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global”, with the government seeking to create better market opportunities for traditional products.
The first phase of the Mrignayani portal will feature 460 products, while products made by artisans from seven districts are already being made available for delivery across the country.
Mrignayani Products to Reach Thousands of Locations
CM Mohan Yadav said products available through Mrignayani Emporium are being connected with a wide delivery network.
According to the government, arrangements have been made to deliver products to around 16,000 locations, providing consumers across the country with easier access to Madhya Pradesh’s traditional crafts.
The state is also promoting several ODOP products, including:
- Chanderi sarees
- Sidhi dari
- Ujjain batik
- Dhar’s Bagh print
More than 2,000 products made by artisans from seven districts are being delivered across the country.
Youth Showing Greater Interest in Cottage Industry Products
CM Mohan Yadav said the younger generation is increasingly adopting products made by cottage and village industries.
He recalled the contribution of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, who supported weavers and provided opportunities through Maheshwari sarees around 250 years ago.
According to the Chief Minister, traditional products are now available in major markets in cities such as Bhopal and Indore. With the launch of the new e-commerce platforms, these products will also become more accessible to young consumers through online shopping.
Government Focusing on MSMEs, Startups and Self-Help Groups
The Chief Minister said the state government is providing support to micro and small industries, cottage industries, startups and self-help groups to strengthen local entrepreneurship.
He also highlighted the recent establishment of a Handloom Centre of Excellence in Ujjain, aimed at strengthening the handloom ecosystem.
CM Yadav said Madhya Pradesh is also preparing for significant growth in the garment sector, while the PM MITRA Park in Dhar is expected to create employment opportunities and establish a value chain from farms to factories.
Indore-Ujjain Region Emerging as Industrial and Tourism Hub
CM Mohan Yadav also highlighted the development potential of the Indore-Ujjain metropolitan region.
The proposed metropolitan area includes:
- Indore
- Ujjain
- Dhar
- Dewas
- Shajapur
- Ratlam
The region has three airports, six railway junctions, more than eight industrial areas and several tourism centres, providing opportunities for employment and economic growth.
The Chief Minister also said that more than 8 crore devotees visit Ujjain every year, and a Unity Mall is being constructed in the city. The mall is expected to showcase products from across the country through the Cottage and Village Industries Department.
Products to Be Sold at More Than 15,000 Locations
Minister of State for Cottage and Village Industries (Independent Charge) Dilip Jaiswal said the department is working to ensure that weavers and artisans receive better value for their hard work.
He said the new e-commerce initiative will provide wider market access to traditional products.
Products will also carry labelling and QR codes, allowing consumers to access information about them.
The government aims to make these products available at more than 15,000 locations across the country.
Around 2.5 Lakh Weavers and Artisans in Madhya Pradesh
Additional Chief Secretary, Cottage and Village Industries Department, K.C. Gupta, said Madhya Pradesh has around 2.5 lakh weavers, artisans and artists.
He noted that these workers contribute to preserving the state’s traditional and cultural heritage while following production practices that do not harm the environment.
He also highlighted the significant participation of women in the sector, stating that around 70% of the workforce in the Cottage and Village Industries Department comprises women.
The two newly launched platforms are expected to further strengthen the digital reach of traditional Madhya Pradesh products and create new opportunities for weavers, artisans and local producers.
Read also: CM Mohan Yadav Joins Massive Jabalpur Kanwar Yatra, Highlights Sanatan Culture and Spiritual Values
