New Delhi, Mar 16 (KNN) Value addition, product diversification and access to export-oriented markets have led to 15-18 Per cent increase in income levels of artisans at functional clusters under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Shobha Karandlaje has said.
In written reply to a question in Parliament, the Minister said that a total of 513 SFURTI clusters across various traditional sectors have been approved under since 2015-16, with the goal of benefitting as many as 3.03 lakh artisans across the country.
“As indicated by the review of functional SFURTI clusters conducted by the Ministry, income levels of artisans have increased by 15-18Per cent generally due to value addition, product diversification, and access to both domestic and export-oriented markets. Employment generation has expanded through regular wage-based work at Common Facility Centres (CFCs), contributing to more stable livelihoods in rural areas,” Karandlaje said.
Under SFURTI scheme, the government is implementing several activities to support the approved clusters. These include interventions such as construction of Common Facility Centres (CFCs), procurement and installation of plant and machinery, and establishment of raw material banks to improve production capabilities.
In addition, soft interventions are undertaken to strengthen skills and market access. These include training programmes, exposure visits, buyer-seller meets and other capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of traditional artisans.
Empanelled Technical Agencies (TAs) under the scheme assist clusters in developing and implementing marketing strategies, with a special emphasis on e-commerce platforms, digital marketing and business development planning, along with promotion through various publicity channels.
(KNN Bureau)
