Growing from a grassroots NGO into a Kolkata-based social enterprise, Kadam Haat bridges remote artisanal clusters with global eco-conscious markets through plastic-free, handmade decor.
Grassroots roots & community empowerment
The journey began with skill training in forgotten rural belts, empowering women and youth to become self-reliant creators. By formalizing artisan clusters across West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar, rural creators gained access to dignified earning opportunities right at their doorstep.
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Reviving indigenous craft & earth materials
Recognizing the threat posed by mass-manufactured plastics, Kadam Haat championed locally abundant, rapidly renewable botanical fibers. Artisans utilize heritage weaving techniques to transform sabai grass, date palm, bamboo, and cane into high-durability, plastic-free products.
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Scaling impact & modern market integration
Today, Kadam Haat bridges centuries-old handcraft traditions with contemporary design needs, delivering premium amenities and decor to eco-conscious homes. This sustainable market engine secures continuous year-round livelihoods for over 1,600 artisans, proving that ethical enterprise can thrive at scale.
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Every figure and metric below is drawn from documents shared by Kadam Haat directly.
Every figure and metric below is drawn from documents shared by Kadam Haat directly.
NITI Aayog Women Transforming India (WTI) awardee
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DBS Foundation social enterprise grantee
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Nexus of Good recognition
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Creative Global Voice of India award
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EPCH & craft sector aligned
Every score below is drawn from documents Bare Necessities shared directly.
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Scannable Product QR help guests trace the origin story and the impact behind every product.
With over two decades of design expertise, Payal Nath co-founded Kadam and Kadam Haat to uplift rural craft communities across India through skill development and market linkage. Her work bridges traditional natural-fiber artisanal skills with modern design demands, enabling thousands of rural creators, mostly women, to build sustainable, self-reliant livelihoods.
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Co-founded Kadam in 2006 alongside Payal Nath to create sustainable livelihood models for rural artisans across India. She has been instrumental in organizing women artisan groups, introducing modern product design methodologies, and opening market access for eco-friendly handicrafts.
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Serves as co-founder and director across Kadam Haat organizational entities, driving institutional partnerships, enterprise management, and operational expansion. His leadership supports scaling craft clusters into self-sustaining business units while preserving traditional eco-sourcing methods.
