Odisha Handloom & Handicrafts Department Launches Two-Day Workshop to Boost Sectoral Growth and Welfare

Bhubaneswar: A two-day workshop and review meeting for field officers of the Department of Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts began today in Bhubaneswar, with a strong focus on strengthening Odisha’s rich tradition of handloom and handicrafts, and uplifting the lives of weavers, artisans, and silk farmers across the state.

Inaugurating the event, Pradeep Bal Samanta, Minister of Cooperation, Handloom, Textiles, and Handicrafts, emphasized that handloom and handicrafts are not just sectors of employment but key elements of Odisha’s cultural identity. He called for robust marketing strategies to take these products to global markets through digital platforms and e-commerce. He also urged officials to focus on planning and implementation strategies that prioritize the welfare of artisans and boost the overall efficiency of existing government schemes.

The Minister reviewed the ongoing initiatives and noted the importance of enhancing the production and value chain of all forms of silk — Muga, Tussar, Eri, and Mulberry. He also encouraged the establishment of apparel and textile industries in Odisha to create employment, especially for women and unemployed youth, through partnerships with potential investors.

Speaking on the occasion, Departmental Commissioner-cum-Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar underlined the need for introducing innovative designs, improved packaging, adoption of modern technologies, and stronger market linkages. She also stressed the importance of developing new clusters to expand the reach and economic impact of the sector.

Director of Textiles Prem Chandra Chaudhary provided guidance on providing regular training and incentives to weavers and artisans to enhance their skills and improve product quality. He emphasized that capacity building is essential to sustain and scale the sector.

Also present were Handicrafts Director and Managing Director of Boyanika Pranati Chhotray, Managing Director of Utkalika and Joint Secretary Madhumita Rath, Additional Secretary Bikramaditya Barik, and Deputy and Assistant Directors from the Textiles, Sericulture, and Handicrafts wings. Field officers shared on-the-ground insights and challenges they face in implementing welfare schemes.

During the financial year 2024–25, significant progress has been made under various assistance programs. A total of 2,375 weavers received support for constructing work sheds, 762 for loom pit concretization, and 9,428 weavers were sanctioned financial assistance to install lighting units. Additionally, 4,842 weavers were supported with new looms and accessories to enable defect-free weaving. Interest-free working capital loans up to ₹1 lakh were sanctioned through District Central Cooperative Banks to 567 weavers and ancillary workers, while ₹180.78 lakh was released to Odisha State Cooperative Bank for interest subvention.