Celebrating Entrepreneurial Excellence: KrishiCraft™ Honoured by Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles, Govt. of India

Empowering Artisans, Elevating Sustainability: KrishiCraft™ Pioneers a Greener Future

In a moment of well-deserved recognition, KrishiCraft™, a joint initiative of ICAR-NINFET and Avahita, was awarded the Best Entrepreneur Award 2025 by Shri Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles, Government of India. The prestigious ceremony took place on January 3, 2025, at ICAR-NINFET, celebrating innovation, dedication, and contributions to agro-textiles and natural fibres.

KrishiCraft™ Launches India’s First Natural Fibre E-Commerce Platform

KrishiCraft proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking e-commerce platform, www.krishicraft.com, marking India’s first-ever online marketplace initiative by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its natural fibre arm, ICAR-NINFET, in collaboration with the Avahita Group. This platform is dedicated to promoting agro-textiles, natural fibre products, and other sustainable agro-based crafts. The official launch took place on January 3, 2025, at the ICAR-NINFET complex in Kolkata during the National Natural Fibre Festival (NNFF) 2025.

The event was graced by Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of India, along with other distinguished guests, including [names of additional dignitaries].

Minister’s Endorsement of KrishiCraft™’s Vision

Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the importance of agro-textiles, stating, “Agro-textiles are transforming Indian agriculture by boosting crop growth, saving water, and protecting plants. More than just fabric, they are a game-changer in the farming sector! KrishiCraft is a crucial step towards integrating rural artisans working in this sector into global supply chains. By empowering them, this platform provides an unparalleled opportunity to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage, promote sustainable living, and help artisans thrive in the modern world.”

Empowering Rural Artisans and Strengthening Sustainable Markets

KrishiCraft stands as a visionary platform blending India’s rich artisanal heritage with modern sustainability practices. By directly connecting farmers and artisans with sustainable markets, the platform empowers rural communities, elevates agri-based livelihoods, and promotes eco-friendly consumer choices. KrishiCraft plays a pivotal role in strengthening rural economies and advancing India’s agriculture sector, one product at a time.

Dr. D. B. Shakyawar, Director of ICAR-NINFET, highlighted the platform’s significance, saying, “KrishiCraft is a landmark initiative for the agro-textile and agro-based product community in India. By connecting local artisans with global markets, we are not only preserving India’s rich heritage but also contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This platform will help localize sustainability, empower our artisans, and support India’s transition to a more sustainable future.”

A Journey of Dedication and Innovation

KrishiCraft™ has revolutionized the sustainable use of natural fibres while empowering local artisans. From its inception in January 2024 at ABI, NINFET, to achieving this remarkable milestone, KrishiCraft™ has consistently worked towards creating a lasting impact on both the community and the economy.

While presenting the award, Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the need for more women entrepreneurs in this field. He remarked, “This award reflects not only your hard work but also the positive change you bring to society.” This accolade highlights the critical role of entrepreneurs in driving innovation and shaping the future.

KrishiCraft™’s success stands as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership. As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to seeing more transformative ideas and initiatives from trailblazers like KrishiCraft™.

Eminent visitors at KrishiCraft™ Stall: A Celebration of Craftsmanship

In a heartwarming display of support for traditional craftsmanship, Shri Giriraj Singh visited the National Natural Fibre Festival – 2025 on January 3, 2025. A highlight of his visit was his interaction with artisans showcasing their exquisite handmade creations at the KrishiCraft™ stall.

The stall featured a stunning array of handwoven jute handicrafts, reflecting the diverse cultural richness of West Bengal. Each piece, steeped in heritage and tradition, stood as a symbol of sustainable craftsmanship and artistic excellence.

During his visit, Shri Giriraj Singh engaged in meaningful conversations with the artisans, gaining insight into the intricate processes behind their work. Artisans shared their stories, challenges, and aspirations, emphasizing the need for government support in training, raw materials, and wider market access.

The visit not only uplifted the spirits of the artisans but also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their empowerment. Such interactions bridge the gap between policymakers and the creative community, ensuring the preservation of our rich textile legacy while fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Showcasing Agri-Based Innovation: KrishiCraft™ Pavilion

Product Display

A variety of agri-based products were displayed, including:

• Jute bags
• Jute planters
• Jute jewelry
• Jute mats and carpets
• Recycled cotton and jute-based diversified handicraft items

Artisan Participation

Six artisans showcased their products under the ‘KrishiCraft Cluster,’ sharing experiences about their craftsmanship with visitors and receiving significant appreciation.

Vendor enrolment Drive

A vendor enrolment drive introduced artisans and SHGs to the KrishiCraft™ platform for future collaborations, strengthening the ecosystem of agri-based artisanal products.

Eminent Visitors at the KrishiCraft™ Stall

KrishiCraft™ was honoured to welcome esteemed visitors from renowned institutions, including:

• Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Government of India
• Moloy Chandan Chakraborty, Jute Commissioner, National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
• Kishan Singh Ghughtyal, Joint Director, National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
• Dr. S. N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering), ICAR, New Delhi
• Dr. K. Narsaiah, Assistant Director General (Process Engineering), ICAR, New Delhi
• Dr. D. B. Shakyawar, Director, ICAR-NINFET
• Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-CIPHET
• Other dignitaries from renowned institutions

Visitor Feedback

Visitors praised the quality and variety of products, emphasizing the need for greater visibility and advertising. Some key feedback included:

• “Beautiful handicraft.”
• “Excellent products, artful and value for money.”
• “Very good initiative, will help local artisans.”
• “Great collection of eco-friendly and fashionable products.”
• “Exciting collections, but the brand needs more publicity.”

A Vision for the Future

Sudeshna Das, Founder & Chief Strategist of KrishiCraft™, shared her vision during the launch, stating, “KrishiCraft is not just an e-commerce platform; it’s a movement. We are building a greener, more sustainable future by empowering rural communities, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, and fostering responsible consumption.”

As KrishiCraft™ continues its journey, this memorable recognition serves as an inspiration to keep innovating, improving, and striving for excellence. A heartfelt thank you to all our visitors for their support, and we look forward to more opportunities to showcase our work and expand our impact.