Amazon India, an e-commerce firm, has signed an MoU to empower tribal artisans from Visakhapatnam through economic opportunities, cultural preservation and community development.
The MoU between Amazon India and the Visakhapatnam Forest Tribals signifies a shared commitment to fostering indigenous craftsmanship, promoting cultural exchange, and enhancing livelihoods. As part of Amazon Karigar, Tribal artisans will gain access to Amazon's expansive reach and resources, showcasing and selling tribal handicrafts. Initially, the project will focus on the online sale of forest produce in non-consumable categories, such as grass weaving for mats, elephant dung paper, and bamboo utensils. The partnership aims to leverage the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the tribal communities to offer authentic handcrafted products to a global audience via its e-commerce platform. This step underscores Amazon India's dedication to social responsibility and sustainability, aligning with its mission to create positive impacts in the communities it serves.
The primary objective of the partnership is to provide visibility and support revenue generation through the forest produce manufactured by the tribals through listing on Amazon and in turn create employment opportunities. The Amazon Karigar program will provide comprehensive training for tribal members in value addition, packaging, and branding, empowering them to sell their products online. Under this initiative, an e-commerce hub will be established within the tribal area of Visakhapatnam forest. The hub will serve as a crucial centre for various activities, including primary and secondary packaging, storage, dispatch, and order processing.
Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Bhatnagar, Director, Seller Acquisition and Development at Amazon India said, "The partnership marks our continued efforts to celebrate the rich tapestry of India's handicrafts, empower and support socio-economic empowerment of tribal communities while preserving their traditional knowledge, skills, and cultural heritage.”