MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Jammu, under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India in association with the District Administration Samba today organised a one-day awareness programme on branding and marketing under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme at the Conference Hall, District Administrative Complex.
The programme aimed to create awareness among PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, artisans and entrepreneurs about branding, digital marketing, financial inclusion, product packaging, Government support schemes and entrepreneurship development to enhance their market competitiveness and income generation.
The programme commenced with an introductory address by Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, Arvind Kumar Sharma, who gave an overview of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. He highlighted the Government of India's commitment to empowering artisans and craftspeople through end-to-end support including skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, credit support, branding and market linkages.
Chief Guest and Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan encouraged participants to make optimum use of Government initiatives and adopt innovation, digital platforms and branding strategies to expand the reach of their products in national and international markets.
She said branding and effective marketing are key to enhancing the value of traditional crafts and improving artisans' livelihoods. Technical sessions were conducted by experts from various fields. Ajay Kumar of the PMU Team, Jammu, elaborated on the features and benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
Functional Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Samba, Pallavi apprised participants about Union Territory Government schemes available for entrepreneurs. Professor and Head, Department of Marketing Management, Central University of Jammu, Dr Naresh Kumar, delivered a session on branding and digital marketing, highlighting strategies for small businesses and artisans.
Kanav Kapahi demonstrated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help artisans strengthen product promotion, digital presence and business growth. The sessions concluded with a presentation by Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, Anurag Sharma, who briefed participants on MSME schemes and Government support available for micro and small enterprises.
Around 200 participants including PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, artisans, entrepreneurs and officials from Government departments, banking institutions and support organisations attended the programme.