Kandhamal Turmeric, Millets Food Items, Golden Grass & Sabai Grass Crafts Attract Buyers
OdishaPlus Bureau
The 43rd India International Trade Fair 2024 (IITF) is currently underway at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Various products crafted by women from Odisha’s Mission Shakti SHGs are being featured at the Odisha Mandap and are in high demand.
The India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2024 commenced on November 14. Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce visited the Odisha Mandap on Monday and commended the craftsmanship and artistry of Odisha.
Various departments of Odisha government have set up a total of 25 stalls at ‘Odisha Mandap’. Among these, 5 stalls are dedicated to the Mission Shakti. The showcased products include a diverse range of items crafted by members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which have garnered significant attention.
“We’re attending the international trade fair in Delhi for the first time. Our stall is seeing good sales of golden grass decor and lac bangles. People are showing great interest, purchasing these items and inquiring about their production,” says SHG member Phulamani Soren.
At the Mission Shakti stall in the Odisha Mandap, Kandhamal turmeric and a diverse range of products is on display, featuring noodles, savory snacks and laddus made nutritious ingredients. Additionally, there are attractive sarees and modern clothing made from tasar silk, lacquered toys (Jau Kandhei) & lac bangles, as well as home decor items crafted from sabai & golden grass decor, along with various spices that are drawing the attention of visitors.
“We have brought a variety of delicacies made from millets to Delhi. People are especially interested in buying millets sattu, biscuits and savories. Our sales have been quite good,” states Purnima Behera, SHG member.
Various products from Jay Maa Mangala SHG of Jajpur, Satyasai Producer Group of Kendrapara, Maa Subhadra SHG of Balasore, Shriya SHG of Kandhamal and Radha Rani SHG of Khordha are being showcased and sold at the ‘Odisha Mandap’.
“I was struck by the Mission Shakti stall at Odisha Mandap, featuring stunning handmade sarees and dupattas with tribal designs. The premium quality and craftsmanship were impressive, and it’s truly inspiring to see these women earning an income through their traditional handloom work,” highlights Richie, a buyer at IITF 2024.
More than ten women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have participated in five stalls by the Mission Shakti department. They express gratitude to the state government for giving them the opportunity to display and sell their handmade products at IITF.
“We visit IITF every year, and my personal favorite is Mission Shakti’s stall. I like this stall very much because of the beautiful bangles made by the women,” says Anshu Tyagi, a shopper at IITF 2024.
Visitors at the India International Trade Fair 2024 are enthusiastic to purchase handmade products from the Mission Shakti stall at the Odisha Mandap. Notably, they have also appreciated other innovative initiatives of the state government.
The Odisha Mandap, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, features the theme ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha’ and showcases the state’s journey from ancient glory to the modern technological development. The pavilion features 25 stalls set up by various departments under the Government of Odisha. The Information & Public Relations Department, GoO has taken lead in conceptualizing and coordinating the Odisha Mandap at IITF 2024.
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