Garvi Gurjari achieves record handicraft sales in 2023-24

Gandhinagar: The ‘Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation’ (GSHHDC), an initiative of the state government, recorded sales of over ₹25 crores in the fiscal year 2023–24. This figure not only represents a doubling of the previous year’s sales but also surpasses the records of the past 50 years.

The Garvi-Gurjari stalls and outlets specialize in selling handloom and handicraft products not only across Gujarat but across other states of the country. For the last fifty years, the GSHHDC has been nurturing, preserving, and promoting the distinct cultural heritage of Gujarat’s handicrafts and handlooms.

The managing director (MD) of the corporation, Lalit Narayan Singh Sandu, noted on the occasion of this success that the Vibrant Gujarat Summit has achieved remarkable results. He added that a lot of Indian and foreign dignitaries attended these events, visiting the Garvi-Gurjari stalls in huge numbers and making the purchase.

The corporation had purchased products worth ₹19.21 crore from approximately 7200 artisans spread across the state. While it achieved sales of ₹13 crores through its centers spread across the country, it generated ₹12 crores in sales by organizing monthly fairs and exhibitions across the country.

Key factors contributing to this notable success include:

(1) Government Support:

During India’s presidency of the G-20 various high-profile meetings were held in Gujarat. The events hosted for the domestic and foreign investors during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit also played a significant role in propping up the record-breaking sales. Additionally, initiatives like ‘One District One Product’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ have significantly boosted the identity and market presence of traditional handicrafts, facilitating broader reach to new customers.

(2) Effective Exhibition Planning:

This year, Garvi Gurjari had identified prime locations for exhibitions in advance, providing an good shopping experience for buyers across the country. The maximum number of exhibitions were organised in various cities from Gujarat, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad among others. The presence of master artisans and award-winning craftsmen at the exhibition venue enhanced the overall experience of visitors, leading to record sales.

(3) Innovative Designs:

A dedicated team of designers consistently introduced innovative designs that retained the essence of traditional culture while infusing modern elements. These designs attracted new customers as they catered to their demands.

4) Artisan Skill Training:

Recognizing the importance of skill development in empowering artisans and improving the quality of production, Garvi Gurjari has signed an MOU with NIFT for design training. Additionally, skill training workshops organized by NID and the ones organised by the master artisans trained at NIFT have equipped artisans with the skills and knowledge to produce high-quality handloom products.