Delhi: The government’s IndiaHandmade platform is strengthening digital access for India’s handloom and handicraft sector by connecting artisans directly with buyers through an online marketplace. Developed under the Ministry of Textiles, the initiative is aimed at preserving traditional crafts while creating new livelihood opportunities through digital commerce.

Launched in 2023 and developed by the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Textiles, IndiaHandmade serves as a dedicated digital marketplace for handloom and handicraft products. The platform enables artisans, weavers and producer groups to showcase and sell their products directly to customers, reducing dependence on intermediaries and expanding market reach.

India’s handloom and handicraft sector remains one of the country’s largest sources of traditional employment. According to the government, the sector supports around 6.46 lakh handloom and handicraft artisans, with women accounting for 71% of handloom weavers and 64% of total artisans as of August 2025. The initiative is designed to strengthen rural livelihoods while helping preserve India’s rich craft traditions.

The marketplace offers a range of features intended to simplify digital selling, including direct buyer access, seller onboarding, digital empowerment tools and improved product visibility. Artisans also benefit from secure payment systems, purchase protection, guided registration support and simplified onboarding procedures, making it easier for first-time digital sellers to participate.

IndiaHandmade showcases products across multiple categories, including apparel, home décor, furnishings, paintings, furniture, jewellery, stationery, musical instruments, religious items, bags and footwear. It also promotes products carrying Geographical Indication (GI) tags and supports the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, helping region-specific crafts reach a wider customer base.

The platform further highlights the stories behind traditional crafts, featuring artisans and enterprises that continue to preserve centuries-old techniques while adapting to modern markets. By combining digital technology with India’s craft heritage, the initiative seeks to improve income opportunities and strengthen consumer access to authentic handmade products.

The government said IndiaHandmade reflects the broader vision of the Digital India programme by bringing traditional industries into the digital economy. As more artisans adopt online commerce, the platform is expected to support sustainable livelihoods while ensuring that India’s diverse handloom and handicraft traditions continue to find new markets across the country.

Source: This article is based on an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau
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