Kolhapur: District Collector Amol Yedage has called for stronger efforts to promote and improve the quality of geographically indicated (GI) products from Kolhapur, including Kolhapuri jaggery, Kolhapuri footwear and the local silver industry, to help them gain global recognition and expand sales and exports.
Speaking at the ‘Mahaniryaat Ignite Convention 2026’ workshop organised by the District Industries Centre at the Government Rest House, Yedage said entrepreneurs and industry groups should focus on enhancing product standards and exploring new markets to increase international demand for these traditional goods.
He also suggested setting up processing units for local products such as finger millet (nachni) and sweet potato in remote areas including Chandgad, Shahuwadi and Gaganbawda. He said these products should be developed in a way that supports export opportunities and benefits farmers and local producers.
The workshop was attended by senior officials and representatives from various departments and industry organisations, including the Joint Director of Industries Sandip Rokde, Senior Superintendent of the Indian Postal Service Vaibhav Waghmare, MIDC Regional Officer Umesh Deshmukh, District Lead Bank Manager Mangesh Pawar, IDBI Capital’s Mukund Tiwari, DGFT Advisor Akshay Kokne, representatives of industry groups and members of the District Industries Centre.
