Yogi Government’s initiatives revive traditional crafts; ₹4.20 crore in sales across 70 districts
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Matikala Board’s 2025–26 pottery fairs have created a new benchmark in promoting traditional craftsmanship and uplifting rural artisans. The total sales of pottery products this year touched ₹4.20 crore, marking an impressive 27.7% increase compared to last year’s ₹3.29 crore. The surge reflects the success of the Yogi Adityanath government’s policies, which include initiatives such as free access to clay from village ponds, skill development, and improved marketing facilities.
A total of 691 stalls were set up across the state under various events — including the 10-day Matikala Mahotsav in Lucknow, 7-day regional fairs in Gorakhpur, Agra, Kanpur Dehat, and Moradabad, and 3-day mini fairs held in 70 districts. The Lucknow Mahotsav alone recorded sales worth ₹1.22 crore, while the regional and district-level fairs achieved sales of ₹78.84 lakh and ₹2.19 crore, respectively.
Despite hosting fewer stalls than last year (878 in 2024–25), the fairs witnessed significantly higher earnings, indicating improved product quality, better exhibition management, and increased consumer awareness. Officials noted that visitors showed great enthusiasm for eco-friendly, handcrafted pottery, further boosting artisans’ confidence and earnings.
The Matikala Board aims to continue empowering artisans through training, design innovation, and branding initiatives to ensure sustainable income growth and expand market reach both nationally and internationally.
Under the Yogi government’s leadership, traditional arts are being preserved and modernized simultaneously. The establishment of the Uttar Pradesh Matikala Board has provided a structured platform to strengthen the livelihoods of traditional potters (Prajapati community), ensuring access to raw materials, financial stability, and market exposure. The government’s decision to allow free clay extraction from local ponds has significantly reduced production costs for artisans.
According to the CEO of Khadi and Village Industries Board and General Manager of Matikala Board, the initiative has enabled artisans to connect directly with consumers, thereby enhancing brand value and expanding demand. Encouraged by the success, the Board plans to extend the fairs to more districts in the coming years, with the goal of linking Uttar Pradesh’s pottery products to national and international markets.
This resurgence of the state’s pottery sector stands as a shining example of how heritage and innovation can blend to create economic empowerment and cultural pride.
