Farmers, artisans should find innovative ways to market their produce, says ZP CEO

Belagavi ZP CEO emphasizes innovative marketing for farmers and artisans, collaborating with Exim Bank to boost exports and opportunities.

Farmers and artisans should not only focus on production of goods, but also on innovative marketing, packaging and advertising of their produce. Value addition is the way forward for all types of products, Rahul Shindhe, CEO, Zilla Panchayat, said in Belagavi on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).

He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Outreach and Capacity Building Initiative to Create Opportunities for Growth and Exports in Belagavi’ at the ZP hall.

He said that the ZP would work with Exim bank officers to create a platform for farmers industries and artisans to better market their products. `It will also help them avail of benefits like training, mentoring and subsidies and explore export opportunities,’’ he said He appealed to handicraftsmen, farmers, weavers, potters and other small home industries in the district, and others to take advantage of it.

Mr. Shindhe said that there were several products in Belagavi district with huge potential for export, like Khanapur pottery, Athani’s Kolhapuri footwear, Hukkeri Chikkalagudda kaudi, Sanjeevini saffron, and other items. However, artisans and farmer were facing problems like training and financial support. He said that Exim Bank would help them in this regard.

Rahul Shindhe, ZP CEO, speaks at EXIM Bank’s outreach programme at the Zilla Panchayat hall in Belagavi on March 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: BADIGER PK

Across the country, Exim Bank is providing training and credit facilities to clusters of women’s associations, artisans, weavers, potters and farmers to undertake different businesses. “Artisans of the district should take advantage of this facility. At the same time, other banks should also formulate a programme to help in the same way as Exim Bank,” he said.