PATNA, 3 August 2026: Bihar has launched the Mithila Handicrafts Cooperative Society to bring traditional artisans under a cooperative framework, following the Centre's recognition of Jitwarpur in Madhubani district as India's first Craft Village.
The initiative aims to improve market access, strengthen artisan livelihoods and promote Bihar's globally recognised Madhubani art in domestic and international markets. It also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi (Prosperity through Cooperation).
The first meeting of the cooperative was held at the Mithila Art Centre in Madhubani. It was attended by Shirsat Kapil Ashok, Secretary, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, Government of Bihar, and Chairman-cum-Managing Director of COMFED, along with Madhubani District Magistrate Anand Sharma, officials from the Department of Tourism, Patna Museum, Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan and NABARD. Padma Shri awardees Dulari Devi and Baua Devi also participated.
Ashok said the cooperative model could help preserve India's traditional art forms while creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans. He said Jitwarpur's recognition as India's first Craft Village presents an opportunity to organise artisans, strengthen value chains and expand the reach of Mithila handicrafts.
According to officials, Madhubani has nearly 50,000 registered Artisan Card holders, many of whom have received state, national and Padma awards for their contribution to Mithila art. Through the cooperative, artisans are expected to collectively market their products and access larger markets.
Nearly 200 artisans, including Padma awardees, have applied for membership during the first phase of the initiative.
The programme also featured recorded messages from Ashish Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, and Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board, congratulating COMFED and the cooperative's founding members.
NABARD Chief General Manager Gautam Kumar Singh assured support for financing the initiative.
On the occasion, Mithila Milk Union also launched Sudha Makhana Kheer, a value-added dairy product combining Bihar's makhana with the Sudha dairy brand.
Representatives from TechnoServe, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with officials from COMFED and Mithila Milk Union, also attended the event.
