Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday took an unusual hands-on approach to promoting the state's rich artistic heritage on Monday, trying his hand at a potter's wheel to craft a Shivling and interacting with weavers and artisans about their traditional skills.

CM Dr Yadav also commended the contribution of craftsmen and artists, saying Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi had resolved to ensure due recognition for the hard work of weavers, artisans and artists associated with India's cottage and village industries.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the state-level Weaver-Artisan Felicitation Ceremony held at the Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium in Bhopal. During the event, he launched the Mriganyani e-commerce website and the ODOP Mart MP portal, aimed at taking traditional and locally made products to wider markets.

He also honoured 15 outstanding weavers, artisans and artists. The winners received ₹1 lakh for the first prize, ₹50,000 for the second and ₹15,000 for the third, along with certificates of appreciation.

From Chanderi sarees to Bagh Prints

CM Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh's cultural and historical heritage was reflected in its traditional crafts and handloom products. He highlighted how cotton produced through farmers' hard work eventually becomes fabric, boutique products and khadi through the efforts of weavers.

He said products such as Chanderi kurtas, Maheshwari sarees, Bagh shawls and zari bags had become a source of pride for people across the state.

Referring to PM Modi's 'Vocal for Local' and 'Local to Global' vision, Yadav said Madhya Pradesh was taking concrete steps to connect weavers, artisans, micro and small industries and One District One Product (ODOP) items with global markets.

The two newly launched e-commerce platforms, he said, marked a major step forward for the state.

Traditional products go online

CM Dr Yadav said young people were increasingly embracing products made through cottage and village industries. Traditional products are now available in major markets in Bhopal and Indore, while the new portals will make them accessible through online shopping.

He said products from the Mriganyani Emporium would be delivered to 16,000 locations, with 460 products available on the portal in the first phase.

The state is also promoting ODOP products including Chanderi sarees, Sidhi durries, Ujjain batik and Dhar's Bagh prints. More than 2,000 products made by artisans from seven districts are being delivered across the country.

Govt pushes handloom and cottage industries

CM Dr Yadav said the state government was extending support through micro and small industries, cottage industries, start-ups and self-help groups.

He highlighted the recently launched Handloom Centre of Excellence in Ujjain and said Madhya Pradesh was preparing for a major expansion in the garment sector.

He also referred to the PM MITRA Park coming up in Dhar district, saying it would create employment and establish a value chain from farms to factories.

The proposed Indore-Ujjain Metropolitan City includes six districts; Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Dewas, Shajapur and Ratlam, and has three airports, six railway junctions and more than eight industrial areas, he said.

CM Dr Yadav added that more than eight crore devotees visit Ujjain every year and a Unity Mall is being constructed in the city, with work expected to be completed by next month. Products from across the country will be showcased there through the Cottage and Village Industries Department.

Products to reach 15,000 locations

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cottage and Village Industries Dilip Jaiswal said the new e-commerce initiative would help ensure that weavers and artisans receive better returns for their work.

Products will carry labels and QR codes providing information about their origin and other details. Jaiswal said these products would now be available at more than 15,000 locations across India.

Additional Chief Secretary KC Gupta said Madhya Pradesh has around 2.5 lakh weavers, artisans and artists, many of whom preserve traditional practices while working in an environmentally sustainable manner. He added that women account for around 70 per cent of the workforce in the Cottage and Village Industries Department.

The two new digital platforms, officials said, are expected to give Madhya Pradesh's traditional craftsmanship a larger national market while helping preserve the state's distinctive cultural identity.