'Cauvery' takes to PPP model to showcase its products

The Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDC) has joined hands with the JSS Urban Haat of Mysore in organising a 10-day Crafts Bazaar in the Hebbal Industrial Area here from March 11.

This is the first such craft exhibition in which the KSHDC, a government of Karnataka undertaking popularly known as ‘Cauvery’, has associated itself with a private institution to popularise handicraft, and in particular among art lovers in Mysore and surrounding areas.

It will set up an exclusive stall at the 11-day craft expo in which around 150 artisans from across the country who had participated in the recently-concluded national-level handcraft mela in Haryana, including award-winning craftsmen, will participate with their crafts marking ‘Ugadi’.

KSHDC general manager (marketing) Muniswamy said the joint crafts bazaar aimed at giving exposure to artisans in marketing their products directly to customers, avoiding middlemen. “Such an exposure would give an idea to artisans on consumer tastes for craft items.”

Since 4-5 years market response in Mysore had improved with improved purchasing power among the locals and the demand chiefly centred for dress materials and other textile and interior decorative items. Bigger expos were bringing in sales of Rs 25-30 lakh while the small ones with about 60-artisan participation fetched Rs 13-14 lakh.

“We have reached the local people, particularly art lovers, by understanding their likes and wants,” said Urban Haath chief executive N Shekar.

So far 39 such craft bazaars were organised and the 40th bazaar was expected to generate sales of around Rs 30 lakh. Presently, footfalls were higher during the weekends and efforts were on to attract tourists during the other days laying a focus on tourism by arranging traditional cultural programmes of different states and demonstrations by artisans.

On the infrastructure shortfalls in the Urban Haath, Shekar said the project cost of Rs 1.96 crore had shot up to Rs 3.5 crore there were certain inadequacies and parking and food court facilities would be ready in about two months’ time.