Development projects supporting livelihoods, skills and local economies.
Each project reflects Desi Trust’s values in action, designed to support handmade livelihoods and respond thoughtfully to ecological and climate challenges. Together, they contribute to long-term, sustainable development and building resilient rural economies. Desi trust handles projects in collaboration with the beneficiary organization or co-operative society to implement workable solutions to their issues - be it production, planning or marketing.
The Sagar Handloom Cluster was one of Desi Trust’s early large-scale interventions aimed at strengthening handloom livelihoods in the Malnad region of Karnataka. Implemented between 2009 and 2012, the project focused on building a sustainable cluster of weavers around the Charaka Women’s Co-operative Society in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga district.
The Shivamogga Naturally Dyed Handloom Cluster was a major scale-up initiative under the SFURTI scheme, aimed at transforming the Sagar handloom region into a nationally distinctive cluster for naturally dyed handwoven textiles. Implemented between 2019 and 2022, the project focused on skill upgradation, design innovation and market expansion to secure sustainable livelihoods for weavers.
This project focused on strengthening the livelihoods of traditional handloom weavers in Gadag district, North Karnataka. Implemented in 2014–15 with support from the Deshpande Foundation, the initiative aimed to expand the local weaving cluster by onboarding new weavers, improving working practices and building a foundation for sustainable growth.
Phase 2 of the Livelihood of Weavers in North Karnataka project focused on extending livelihood support to traditional weavers and dyers in Bagalkot district. Implemented in 2015–16 with support from the Deshpande Foundation, the initiative aimed to provide year-round employment, skill upgradation, and stable market linkages for artisans in the region.