The Andaman and Nicobar Emporium, Sagarika, along with Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan, has opened a fresh window for local artisans, small manufacturing units and community-based groups to seek marketing support for their handicraft products. The initiative, announced this week in Sri Vijaya Puram, aims to broaden retail avenues for locally made goods and boost participation from emerging craft makers across the islands.
The call for applications is open to registered small and medium enterprises, self-help groups, cooperative societies, small-time artisans and units supported under Khadi and Village Industries. Applicants have been asked to submit product samples, price lists and photographs in a prescribed format by January 11, 2026. The Administration has stated that the selection and acceptance of products will be governed by an existing guideline issued in May 2019 on providing marketing support through Sagarika.
Officials say the current round of applications is part of an effort to bring in new producers and identify craft-based enterprises that may not yet have had access to formal retail platforms. The guidelines give preference to first-time and upcoming applicants, particularly from remote areas of the islands where artisans often struggle to reach formal markets. Many of these groups rely on seasonal footfall, word-of-mouth sales or local fairs, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in tourist activity or transport disruptions.
Sagarika’s platform has long been one of the most recognised outlets for Andaman-made handicrafts, catering to both residents and visitors seeking local products. Items typically showcased include woodcraft, shell-based decor, cane and bamboo works, traditional jewellery, coir products and garments produced by small weaving units. Officials believe that expanding the supplier base will diversify the product range and increase earning opportunities for communities that depend on craft-making for supplemental income.
The Administration has clarified that the selection process will remain competitive, and submission of applications will not automatically guarantee acceptance for marketing support. The empanelment committee will review samples based on craftsmanship, quality standards, price feasibility and the relevance of the products to Sagarika’s retail profile. The Administration also reserves the right to modify or withdraw the notice if required.
For artisans, especially those working in remote islands such as Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Katchal, Rangat and Diglipur, the renewed call offers a structured opportunity to integrate with a formal supply chain. Many have traditionally operated with limited exposure, selling through seasonal haats, cooperatives or occasional exhibitions. The opportunity to place products in a centrally managed outlet offers a consistent channel that can help them plan production better and stabilise income streams.
Officials note that this round is expected to draw attention from newer entrants, including young entrepreneurs and SHGs trained under various skill development programmes. In recent years, several government-led livelihood schemes have introduced training modules on handicraft skills, packaging, branding and financial literacy. The Administration believes that linking these trained groups to a stable retail outlet is essential for converting training into sustained market engagement.
By encouraging a wider pool of applicants, Sagarika aims to reflect the evolving handicraft identity of the islands. While traditional items continue to dominate, there is growing interest in contemporary adaptations that blend local materials with modern design influences. Some SHGs have diversified into eco-friendly crafts, natural fibre accessories and souvenir products tailored for the tourism sector. Officials expect the new application cycle to reveal products from these emerging categories.
With the submission deadline set for early January, artisans and units have about a month to prepare their entries. The Administration has encouraged all eligible groups to make use of the opportunity and submit complete applications to facilitate smooth evaluation. As the islands continue positioning their handicrafts as a distinctive economic and cultural asset, the latest call is seen as a step toward strengthening local production and expanding the marketplace for home-grown creativity.
