The PM Vishwakarma Trade Fair got underway at the ITF Ground in Sri Vijaya Puram on January 28, bringing together traditional artisans, craftsmen and small entrepreneurs under a platform designed to connect them directly with consumers. The fair is being organised by the Branch MSME-DFO under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as part of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which focuses on supporting traditional skills and self-employment.
The event was inaugurated by Secretary (Industries) Pallavi Sarkar in the presence of officials from the Directorate of Industries, banking institutions and MSME offices. The gathering marked the formal opening of a two-day marketplace that combines commercial activity with cultural programming, reflecting the scheme’s emphasis on both livelihood promotion and preservation of traditional crafts.
A total of 70 stalls have been set up at the venue, showcasing a wide range of locally made products. Participants include artisans and micro-entrepreneurs associated with traditional trades and crafts, who are being provided a direct marketing platform through the fair. The initiative is structured to help producers reach buyers without multiple intermediaries, potentially improving price realisation and visibility of their work.
Organisers indicated that the objective of the trade fair is to enable artisans to sell their products directly to consumers, gain exposure to market preferences and explore income opportunities. The approach aligns with broader MSME policy goals of strengthening grassroots enterprise and enhancing economic self-reliance among small producers. By situating the event in a public venue, the fair seeks to attract a diverse visitor base and generate wider awareness of local skills.
The inaugural programme also featured multiple cultural performances, including traditional dance and singing, adding a cultural dimension to the event. Such performances are intended to highlight the connection between craft traditions and the cultural heritage of communities, while also drawing footfall to the exhibition area. The combination of commerce and culture forms a recurring feature of such fairs under promotional schemes.
The event witnessed a large turnout of visitors on the opening day, which organisers interpret as an indication of public interest in indigenous products and traditional craftsmanship. Direct interaction between artisans and customers allows for feedback on products and preferences, which can influence future production and design decisions. Market exposure in such settings is seen as particularly relevant for small producers with limited access to formal retail channels.
The trade fair is scheduled to continue on January 29 and 30, 2026. Members of the public have been invited to visit and support local artisans and entrepreneurs. The emphasis on public participation reflects the scheme’s reliance on consumer engagement as a driver of sustainability for traditional occupations.
By providing space, visibility and a structured marketplace, the PM Vishwakarma Trade Fair functions as an interface between policy support and ground-level enterprise. The focus remains on strengthening income opportunities for artisans while reinforcing the role of traditional skills within the local economy.
