Odisha to Boost Digital Marketing of Handloom Products to Empower Artisans

Bhubaneswar – In a significant move to promote Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage, the State Government has announced a focused push towards enhancing both retail and digital marketing of its handloom products. The Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of Odisha is set to formulate a comprehensive marketing strategy in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Commerce and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

This decision was made during a two-day review workshop that brought together field officers from the handloom, textiles, and handicrafts sectors across the state. The workshop emphasized the growing importance of digital platforms in marketing, with ONDC Vice President Aditi Sinha providing detailed insights on leveraging digital commerce to expand market reach.

Divisional Commissioner and Administrative Secretary Guha Punam Tapas Kumar highlighted that this initiative will not only showcase Odisha’s cultural legacy on a global platform but also contribute significantly to the economic upliftment of the state’s weavers and artisans. He urged officials at all levels to work diligently towards achieving this shared vision.

During the workshop, officers from all 30 districts were briefed about various government schemes aimed at developing the handicraft sector and effective implementation strategies. Detailed discussions were held on the collective growth of artisans in key handicraft hubs.

Additionally, the workshop addressed management guidelines for “Common Amenity Centers” and “Handicraft Tourism Centers” established by the department. Presentations on initiatives by the State Handicraft Development Organization and the Odisha Handicraft Museum-Arts highlighted ongoing efforts to promote the sector.

The event also created awareness about “Utkalika,” a platform supporting the commercialization of handicrafts. Departmental officers stressed the critical need to ensure that government schemes reach grassroots-level artisans and weavers effectively.

The workshop was inaugurated by Odisha’s Minister for Cooperatives, Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Pradeep Bala Samanta, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the state’s artisans through enhanced marketing strategies.

This digital push is expected to bring Odisha’s exquisite handloom products to a wider audience, helping preserve traditional crafts while boosting economic opportunities for local communities.