Sikkim’s artisans have been urged to use e-commerce and digital platforms to take their traditional products beyond the state and reach customers across India. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba made the appeal at the Tribal Artisan Empanelment Mela organised by the MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Gangtok, in collaboration with the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED). Subba highlighted the important role of artisans and entrepreneurs in Sikkim’s economic growth and stressed the need for patience, sustained effort and long-term business planning. He also highlighted government support available under schemes such as PM Vishwakarma and said efforts would be made to ensure Sikkim’s traditional skills and occupations are covered under relevant schemes. He further said he would approach the Centre regarding the second phase of PM Vishwakarma for eligible beneficiaries in Sikkim. Commerce and Industries Principal Director M Ravi Kumar said producing quality goods must be matched with effective marketing and encouraged artisans to use platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and the Government e-Marketplace, along with social media. He urged artisans to regularly share photographs and videos of their products online to attract buyers from outside the state. Citing examples of Sikkim products receiving higher prices in cities such as Bengaluru and Delhi, he said identifying the right markets could significantly improve artisan incomes. TRIFED Regional Manager Pamthing Keishing said the empanelment exercise aims to identify and empower tribal artisans, connect them with organised markets and create greater opportunities for their traditional skills and products.
E-Commerce, Better Marketing Key to Expanding Sikkim’s Artisan Economy
