How Did UP Artisans Achieve Record Sales of Rs 4.20 Crore in Mati Kala Fairs?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Record sales of Rs 4.20 crore achieved by the Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board.
- Sales increased by Rs 91 lakh, a 27.7% growth compared to last year.
- Emphasis on marketing and training for artisans.
- Support for traditional crafts enhances economic security.
- Innovative initiatives like free clay extraction for the Prajapati community.
Lucknow, Nov 3 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board has reached extraordinary sales of over Rs 4.20 crore in the current financial year, following a sequence of state, regional, and district-level Mati Kala fairs, as reported by an official on Monday.
This impressive sales figure marks a notable rise of Rs 91 lakh compared to last year, indicating a remarkable 27.7 percent growth despite a reduction in the number of stalls this year.
The vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to enhance traditional artisans and promote indigenous crafts has played a crucial role in this achievement, according to the official’s statement.
The state government's concentrated efforts in marketing, branding, and training are helping the region’s pottery products to penetrate both national and international markets, the statement noted.
The 10-day Mati Kala Mahotsav held at Khadi Bhavan, Lucknow, from October 10 to 19 generated Rs 1.22 crore from 56 stalls. Additionally, the seven-day regional fairs conducted in Gorakhpur, Agra, Kanpur Dehat, and Moradabad from October 13 to 19 saw 126 stalls achieve sales of Rs 78.84 lakh.
Moreover, the three-day district-level Mati Kala fairs across 70 districts from October 17 to 19 amassed a total of Rs 2.19 crore in sales from 509 stalls.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, 878 stalls had generated Rs 3.29 crore in sales.
The increased turnover this year, despite fewer stalls, indicates enhanced product quality, improved fair management, and stronger market connections. This reflects a rising consumer interest in traditional pottery products and growing confidence among artisans, the statement revealed.
The Mati Kala Board is committed to continuously empowering artisans through advanced training, design development, exhibition management, and branding initiatives, ensuring sustainable economic growth in the long run.
The Yogi Adityanath government established the Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board to safeguard and promote traditional crafts, bolster artisans’ economic security, and create job opportunities through innovation.
This initiative has allowed thousands of families to discover new pathways to self-reliance, giving traditional pottery a revitalized identity in contemporary markets, as stated.
A significant decision under this initiative permits members of the Prajapati community to extract clay at no cost from village ponds, greatly lowering input costs and enabling uninterrupted production.
According to the CEO of Khadi and Village Industries and GM of the Mati Kala Board, the consistent support from the state government and targeted programs have allowed artisans to engage directly with consumers.