Toran, Sanskrit for ornate arches decorated with marigold and mango leaves to welcome guests. Through TORAN, we welcome you to our 3rd year 6th issue.

World trade could be a powerful force for reducing poverty, if poor people could sell their products at a decent price. If the world's poorest communities could increase their share of world's exports by just 1% nearly 128 million people could be lifted out of poverty! We at CFM believe that every one of us can be a part of this effort. By just spreading the word about fair trade products and making a conscious decision to look out for such products when making a purchase will help in creating more jobs. And that can only spell good things for all of us in the years to come. Join the movement today. click here

Su Vyapar

The British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) is a network of independent fair trade shops across the UK.

Its objective is to promote fair trade retailing in the UK, raise the profile of fair trade on the High Street and provide a point of contact and communication for the exchange of ideas amongst its members.

To read more click here


The art of Bandhani is highly skilled process. The technique involves dyeing a fabric which is tied tightly with a thread at several points, thus producing a variety of patterns depending on the manner in which the cloth is tied.

Indian Bandhani, a traditional form of tie and dye, began about 5000 years ago. Also known as Bandhani and Bandhej, it is the oldest tie and dye tradition that is still practiced. Dyes were discovered by primitive man/woman in the form of extracts of various plants, flowers, leaves, bark, etc., which were applied to cloth and other fabrics. Even though color was applied they didn't consider this dyeing. It was simply a form of embellishment. What was considered dyeing was the art of using color to form a permanent bond with fiber in a prepared dye bath. Bandhani fabrics reign supreme in Rajasthan and Gujarat which are home to an astounding variety of traditional crafts. Century-old skills continue to produce some of the most artistic and exciting wares in these two states and is popular all over the world.

 

CFM products are available through these retail outlets in India.

Tatsat Clothing, Bansal Clothing, Miss Fashion, New Delhi
Industree, New Delhi
wwwconnect, Goa
Industree, Bangalore

The Indian microfinance market has grown to more than 1 billion dollars in outstanding assets of MFIs. Estimates of the potential size of the Indian microfinance market range from USD 15 billion to USD 30 billion..

Said to bring good luck, these wonderfully whimsical woodcarvings are colourful, creative and culturally charged.

CFM is an initiative to improve lives of artisan communities globally through the process of retail.

Do you have suggestions for CFM or TORAN? Contributions in the form of articles, facts, stories are welcome. Please write to us at info@whycfm.org

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