SHILLONG, March 1: Meghalaya’s artisans and entrepreneurs are set to benefit from Tracestore, a mobile application designed to connect them with larger markets and combat counterfeit products.
The app was introduced at a workshop titled “Artisans and Entrepreneurs” held at NEHU on Friday as part of the project “Empowering Artisans and Farmers of Meghalaya through Blockchain Fintech Solutions.”
The app, developed by a team led by Sainkupar Mn Mawiong (NEHU), Md Iftekhar Hussain (NEHU), and PL Thangkhiew (IIT Guwahati), aims to provide a secure, blockchain-backed platform for artisans to showcase and sell their products.
Mawiong, the project’s Principal Investigator, highlighted how counterfeit products threaten local artisans’ livelihoods. ‘Tracestore offers a structured digital marketplace, ensuring authenticity and fair pricing for Meghalaya’s artisans,’ he said. Organised by NEHU’s Department of Basic Sciences and Social Sciences in collaboration with IIT Guwahati and IIT Bhilai, the workshop brought together 40 artisans and entrepreneurs, along with faculty members, project associates, and industry stakeholders. JP Lakiang, Director of Employment and Craftsmen Training was the chief guest, while Md. Iftekhar Hussain, Dean of the School of Technology, NEHU, attended as the guest of honour.
Chief Guest J P Lakiang praised the initiative, calling it a “society-driven research breakthrough” that aligns with government efforts to support artisans. He also highlighted various schemes under his department to help artisans grow their businesses.
The event concluded with an interactive session where artisans shared their experiences and provided feedback to improve the app. NEHU and its partners plan to refine Tracestore further based on user input, ensuring that it serves Meghalaya’s artisan community effectively.
