Odisha to Equip 1,200 Artisans with Advanced Tool Kits to Boost Productivity

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to equip 1,200 artisans across 12 districts with advanced tool kits to improve productivity, quality and market access while helping traditional handicrafts adapt to changing consumer demands.

The initiative, being implemented through the Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited (UTKALIKA), covers seven traditional craft sectors—Appliqué, wood, stone, horn, iron, terracotta and brass metal.

The advanced tool kit distribution programme was launched at Bhakarsahi under Banamalipur in Khordha district on Monday, where 150 Appliqué artisans received the upgraded equipment.

The kits have been approved for distribution during the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

Speaking at the programme, Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Pradeepp Bal Samanta said modern tools would complement the traditional skills of artisans and help them respond to the demands of contemporary markets.

“Skilled hands are the strength of handicrafts; modern tools will provide new success to that strength,” he said.

The initiative is aimed at improving the efficiency, productivity, precision and quality of handmade products. With better tools, artisans are expected to produce higher-quality products in less time, enabling them to cater to larger and changing market demands.

The government said the programme goes beyond the distribution of equipment and seeks to strengthen artisans’ livelihoods by improving their production capacity and creating greater opportunities to access modern markets.

Appliqué, locally known as Chandua work, was given particular focus during the first phase of the programme. The traditional craft is among Odisha’s distinctive handicrafts and has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition, underscoring its cultural and commercial significance.

The initiative also seeks to ensure that traditional skills are preserved while artisans gain the tools needed to remain competitive in contemporary markets. The remaining approved tool kits will be distributed in phases during the current financial year.

UTKALIKA, which has been working for the welfare and development of Odisha’s artisans since 1959, provides market facilities, marketing support, raw materials and forward and backward linkages. It also plays a role in preserving and promoting the state’s traditional art and handicraft heritage.

UTKALIKA Chairperson Debasmita Sahu, Vice-Chairperson Prashant Kumar Mahapatra, Additional Secretary, Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department and UTKALIKA Managing Director Chinmayee Biswal, Deputy Director, Handicrafts Santosh Kumar Mahanti, Deputy Secretary and UTKALIKA General Manager Sheshadev Khatua, and Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Bhuban Bhaskar, among others, attended the programme.