What Khamir CRC does

Khamir CRC (Khamir Craft Resource Centre) is a not-for-profit organization registered under India's Trust Act, 1956, founded after the 2001 Kachchh earthquake to preserve and develop the crafts, heritage, and cultural ecology of the Kachchh region of Gujarat, India. It operates from a purpose-built, eco-friendly campus in Kukma (designed by CEPT's Neelkanth Chhaya, constructed by Hunnarshala using rammed earth and stabilized earth blocks) and supports an artisan cluster of 600-700 weavers alongside practitioners of Ajrakh block printing, Kala Cotton hand-spinning/weaving, Batik, Bandhani, leather, lacquered wood, metal bells, and pottery. Khamir runs three product programs — Kala Cotton Initiative (with a registered trademark), Camel Wool Project (launched 2013 with Sahjeevan and KUUMS), and Recycled Plastic Weaving (2013) — alongside an Effluent Treatment Plant pilot for sustainable dyeing.

Name

Khamir CRC

Legal name

Khamir

Website

https://khamir.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Khamir CRC is a Kachchh-based not-for-profit craft resource centre that preserves traditional Indian handicrafts (Ajrakh, Kala Cotton, Bandhani, camel wool, recycled plastic weaving) by supporting 600-700 artisans with training, market access, and e-commerce/retail distribution.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Handicraft Textiles

NAICS

Clothing and Clothing Accessories Merchant Wholesalers (42435), Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Retailers (45913), Piece Goods, Notions, and Other Dry Goods Merchant Wholesalers (424310)

SIC

Wholesale-Apparel, Piece Goods & Notions (5130), Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Fair Trade & Ethical Supply Chains (Certification, Traceability, Producer Support) (BPAGALAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sustainable / Ethical Apparel & Accessories Wholesale (CRAOADAJ)

Keywords

• Handcrafted textiles
• Artisan development
• Block printing
• Sustainable crafts
• Indigenous cotton

Headquarters

HQ city

Bhuj

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. E-commerce Product Sales: Direct sales of handcrafted textiles, clothing, home goods, accessories, and crafts through shop.khamir.org. Products include Kala Cotton garments, Ajrakh fabrics, Batik textiles, Bandhani items, pottery, and leather goods. Revenue is one-time transaction-based with products ranging from INR to USD pricing.
2. Wholesale/Bulk Orders: Wholesale channel for bulk orders through dedicated wholesale page, serving boutique owners, designers, export partners, and retail chains.
3. Campus Visitor Services: Guest house accommodations with double bedrooms (up to 6 rooms) and dormitories for groups, plus fees for workshops, exhibitions, and campus experiences during the winter season.
4. Curated Exhibitions and Auctions: Annual curated exhibitions featuring artisan masterpieces available for auction, such as the Kachchh Ji Chhaap exhibition. Proceeds support artisan livelihoods and Khamir's operations.
5. Donations and Support: Financial contributions accepted from supporters; Khamir is a registered Society and Public Trust in India. Note: unable to accept contributions from foreign donors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Khamir operates a craft resource center and e-commerce marketplace that sells traditional Kachchh textiles and handcrafted products including Ajrakh block prints, Kala cotton fabrics and garments, Bandhani tie-dye, Batik prints, camel wool products, and recycled plastic woven goods through shop.khamir.org and a physical campus retail store in Kukma. Beyond product sales, the organization provides artisan development services, trade facilitation, campus-based guest house accommodations, workshops, and curated cultural exhibitions supporting traditional craft preservation in the Kachchh region of Gujarat.

Product overview

Khamir CRC operates as a craft resource center for the Kachchh region of Gujarat, offering a unified platform combining an e-commerce marketplace (shop.khamir.org) with craft promotion and artisan development services. The core offering includes traditional textiles (Ajrakh Blockprint, Kala Cotton, Batik Print, Bandhani), innovative upcycled products (Recycled Plastic Weaving, Camel Wool), plus campus-based visitor services (accommodations, workshops, curated exhibitions). The organization functions as both a marketplace for handcrafted goods and a development platform supporting artisan livelihoods through trade facilitation and capacity building.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kala Cotton Initiative: A sustainable cotton textile production initiative preserving agricultural and artisan livelihoods in Kachchh, working with marginalized communities and promoting locally grown species.
• Camel Wool Project
• Recycled Plastic Weaving
• Khamir Guest House

Products and services

• Khamir E-commerce Shop Online store at shop.khamir.org offering 400+ handcrafted and handloom products from Kachchh, including clothing, fabrics, home goods, accessories, and yarn, with global shipping in multiple currencies and free shipping on orders above INR 4,500 in India.
• Ajrakh Block Print Textiles Traditional indigo-dyed block printed textiles made through a sixteen-step process of washing, dyeing, printing, and drying using natural resources including pomegranate seeds, gum, Harde powder, locally cultivated Indigo, and alizarine, producing geometric starry constellation patterns in indigo, madder, black, and white.
• Kala Cotton Textiles and Garments Hand-picked, hand-spun, and hand-woven fabrics and garments made from indigenous Kala cotton (arboreum and herbaceum), one of India's few remaining genetically pure old-world cotton species, grown rain-fed organically without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers in Kachchh.
• Batik Print Textiles Wax-resist dyeing technique creating veined, web-like patterns on fabric, traditionally used for textiles in Kachchh.
• Bandhani Tie-Dye Textiles Tie-and-dye craft featuring dot resist motifs, traditionally used for wedding attire and auspicious occasions in Kachchh.
• Recycled Plastic Woven Products Upcycled products converting urban plastic waste from Bhuj into woven materials on traditional pit looms and frame looms, producing bags, mats, cushions, and backpacks.
• Camel Wool Products Products (stoles, bags, and others) made from locally sourced camel wool, with dehairing techniques to remove coarse fibres leaving soft, fine wool, supporting pastoralist livelihoods from Kachchh's approximately 10,000 camels.
• Khamir Campus Guest House On-campus accommodation facility at Kukma village offering double bedrooms (up to 6 rooms) and dormitories for groups above 3 people with shared bathrooms, providing cultural experiences and access to Kachchh craft clusters and exhibitions.
• Curated Craft Exhibitions and Auctions Annual themed exhibitions held on the Khamir campus during winter season (December-March) and traveling exhibitions (e.g., Hermès Mumbai), showcasing Kachchh crafts, artisan histories, and artisan masterpieces available for auction, with proceeds supporting artisan livelihoods and Khamir operations.
• Artisan Support and Trade Facilitation Services Trade facilitation, craft development support, water treatment solutions (Effluent Treatment Plant), and market access assistance provided to Kachchh artisans across Ajrakh block printing, Kala cotton weaving, Batik, Bandhani, leather, pottery, and other traditional crafts.

Quantifiable outcome

• Preserved and revitalized Kala Cotton cultivation and weaving tradition in Kachchh
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• SatvikcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSatvik collaborated with Khamir to create market applications for organic cotton grown by farmers in Kachchh. They were instrumental in setting up Khamir's Kala Cotton Initiative, creating the supply chain between Kala Cotton farmers, ginners, spinners, and weavers.
• SahjeevancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental NGO based in Bhuj working on urban issues. Currently partners with Khamir on recycled plastic and camel wool projects, as well as educational programs. Coordinates camel wool collection through KUUMS (Kachchh Camel Breeders Association) and plastic collection initiatives.
• All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIACA partners with Khamir to improve health and safety conditions for Indian textile workers and develop eco-friendly textiles. The Effluent Treatment Plant in Khamir's dyeing unit is supported by AIACA's Switch Asia Project.
• HunnarshalacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBhuj-based organization developing disaster-safe, ecologically friendly building technologies. Initiated the 'crafts in architecture' focus in Khamir's approach. Provided seed grant and technical expertise for constructing the Khamir campus using rammed earth technology.
• DastkarmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKhamir collaborates with Dastkar and has participated in many of its national-level craft exhibitions, gaining access to craft-loving audiences across India.
• Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKMVS links groups of women garbage collectors (Sakhi Mandals) to create a local supply chain for Khamir's Plastic Recycling Project. Also supports Sur Vani, an association of Kachchi folk musicians, for cultural events.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCII played a key role in Khamir's founding by providing a seed grant for its campus and activities. Works to create and sustain environment conducive to industry growth in India, partnering industry and government.
• Government of GujaratcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Khamir Campus was built through the Government's initiative to build craft parks in earthquake-affected regions. Provided funding support for campus construction as part of post-earthquake recovery efforts.
• Nehru Foundation for Development (NFD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKhamir partnered with NFD along with its sister organizations VIKSAT and CEE to showcase Kachchh crafts at exhibitions and conferences. VIKSAT shares office space with Khamir in the campus, creating common synergies.
• Indian Institute of Craft and Design (IICD)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssisted Khamir with design projects and special programs, regularly placing students at Khamir for internships.
• Srishti School of Art, Design and TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating with Khamir on education and design programs to serve the Kachchh region.
• Paramparik KarigarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong history of partnering with Paramparik Karigar for exhibitions in Mumbai and Pune.
• Parle Products Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps Khamir by providing materials for the Plastic Weaving Project.
• Suzlon Energy Ltd.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Bhuj office of Suzlon Energy Ltd. supplies Khamir with waste plastic materials for the Plastic Recycling Project.
• GramshreeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKhamir is the Kachchh partner for Craftroots, promoted by Gramshree as a common platform for the crafts of Gujarat. Collaborate on varied craft development projects in the region.
• Matruchhaya Kanya VidyalayaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports Khamir's Plastic Recycling Project through education and waste collection by its students.
• Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan (KNNA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAs the Kachchh promoter, Khamir and KNNA have come together on common causes related to Kachchh crafts, local issues, and events. KNNA routes and supports all crafts-related initiatives through Khamir.
• Kachchh Unt Uchherak Maldhari Sangathan (KUUMS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKachchh Camel Breeders Association coordinates collection of camel wool with Sahjeevan. Camel Wool Project launched in 2013 to enhance pastoralist livelihoods and conserve local camel populations.
• Fondation d'entreprise Hermès (H³ Programme)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Ghadai pottery exhibition project was selected for support by Fondation d'entreprise Hermès as part of the H³ programme: Head – Heart – Hand. Exhibition traveled to Mumbai for special display at Hermès, 15 A Horniman Circle.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Novica: A global online fair-trade handicraft marketplace connecting artisans worldwide to consumers. Comparable global craft marketplace model and India artisan-supplier scope, though Novica is a broader digital platform rather than a regional resource center.
• Fabindia: India's largest pan-India ethnic apparel and home retailer sourcing from thousands of artisans. Operates in a wider portfolio and geography than Khamir's regional focus but offers an established retail-and-wholesale benchmark for handicraft textile brands.
• People Tree: A pioneering fair-trade and sustainable fashion brand partnering with artisan cooperatives in developing countries. Comparable ethical-fashion-and-handicraft positioning with established wholesale, retail, and brand-licensing income streams.

Direct peers

• Anokhi: Heritage Jaipur-based block printing brand that pioneered commercializing traditional Indian block printing through retail and product lines — closely comparable to Khamir's Ajrakh and Kala Cotton commercial craft model, with similar craftsmanship-and-modernization positioning.
• Dastkar: A pan-India network of craftspeople and craft organizations running exhibitions, sales, and capacity-building programs — directly comparable to Khamir as a craft marketplace/platform operating across Indian artisanal clusters, and an existing Khamir channel partner.
• Sasha Association for Crafts: An Indian craft design and retail organization producing signature collections from Indian artisans. Comparable to Khamir's curated craft-product positioning with a designer-led, exhibitions-driven approach.
• Rangsutra: An artisan-owned Indian craft and apparel brand working with rural crafts communities across India. Comparable to Khamir's artisan aggregation model for traditional textiles, with similar fair-trade and design-innovation positioning.
• Ten Thousand Villages: A North American fair-trade retailer sourcing artisan-made products from around the world, including India. Comparable end-market channel and fair-trade positioning, though operating overseas rather than as a producer organization.
• Paramparik Karigar: Mumbai-based non-profit organization working to preserve and promote traditional Indian craftspeople, with which Khamir has an existing partnership for exhibitions. Similar mission-driven craft-preservation and direct-to-market positioning.
• SEWA (Self-Employed Women's Association): An Indian cooperative movement of self-employed women artisans producing handcrafts, textiles and agricultural goods. Highly comparable to Khamir's producer-led, fair-trade artisan organization model based in Gujarat.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZEsgrRJR8LIYjq3YqEao-g/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/khamircrafts
• Instagraminstagram.com/khamircrafts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/khamir-crc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Khamir CRC