Wooden Toy Cluster, Budhni
We have been working towards the revival and strengthening of the traditional wooden toy craft ecosystem of Budhni, Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on sustainable livelihoods, artisan empowerment, skill development, and preservation of traditional craftsmanship.
The Budhni Wooden Toy Cluster is centered around the traditional lacquered wooden toy-making craft practiced in Budhni, a town in Sehore district along the banks of the Narmada River. The craft has been practiced for generations and is known for its brightly coloured eco-friendly wooden toys made using traditional hand-turning and lacquering techniques.
Historically, the craft supported nearly 80–100 artisan families in the region and evolved into an important livelihood source for local communities. Over time, however, changing consumer behaviour, industrialisation, reduced access to forest resources, competition from plastic and machine-made toys, and declining market access severely impacted the sector.
We have been working towards the revival and strengthening of the traditional wooden toy craft ecosystem of Budhni, Madhya Pradesh, with a focus on sustainable livelihoods, artisan empowerment, skill development, and preservation of traditional craftsmanship.
Through this project, we aim to ensure that the craft continues to evolve while creating dignified and long-term livelihood opportunities for artisan communities.
In the heart of Budhni, a revolution is underway. The Sfoorti Project, powered by a state-of-the-art Common Facility Center, is transforming the 200- year-old wooden toy legacy.
Equipped with CNC machines, laser cutters, and precision tools, artisans now craft with unmatched efficiency and finesse. With innovative designs and global market access, they are reclaiming their heritage, ensuring it thrives in a bold, new era.
Key Areas of Work
Artisan training and skill development
Product diversification and design innovation
Livelihood generation and enterprise development
Market linkage and promotions
"The journey was not only a transformation of craft but also of culture. As the project progressed, women in Budhni, who had long been confined to their homes, began to step out for the first time to join the workforce."
Traditionally, the women of the village played
supporting roles in the family, but never actively
participated in the craft itself. The decision to
bring women into the project was a bold step
toward empowerment and equality, breaking
societal barriers that had held them back for
generations.
THE WOMEN OF BUDHINI DIDN’T JUST LEARN TO OPERATE MACHINES—THEY BECAME ACTIVE CREATORS OF THEIR
HERITAGE.
CNC machines and laser cutters were no longer
just tools of innovation—they became instruments
of empowerment. Initially, the idea of using such
advanced equipment seemed daunting. The
machines were intimidating, and the noise of the
cutters made the women nervous. But through
patient, step-by-step training, they learned the art
of programming the CNC machines,
understanding how to fine-tune settings, and how
to operate the laser cutters to carve detailed
designs.
Impact Created
Trained and engaged 100+ artisans, rural youth, and community members through skill development and livelihood programs focused on wooden toy craftsmanship and allied skills.
Enabled participation of 40+ women artisans in painting, finishing, packaging, and value-added production activities, creating opportunities for independent and home-based income generation.
Conducted multiple training workshops and capacity-building sessions in woodworking, lac-turning, polishing, finishing, product diversification, and entrepreneurship development.
Developed 50+ contemporary product prototypes inspired by traditional Budhni craft practices to increase market relevance and product diversity.
Facilitated exposure visits and artisan interactions for women and artisan groups to encourage learning, design exposure, confidence-building, and market understanding.
Strengthened livelihood opportunities for artisan families by encouraging community-based production systems and improved market accessibility