Cuttack: A craft cluster is set to come up in Kendrapara district to help coir artisans produce and market their products. Being built as part of the Centre’s Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) and in collaboration with the District Industry Centre, the cluster is expected to cost around Rs 1.5 crore.
The objective of creating the mini craft cluster is to impart training and provide marketing facilities to the 500 coir artisans of Akulipada, Pimpudi, Aitipada, Pallisahada, Sasana, Tarasa, Sialia and other villages of Rajkanika block in the district. The proposed craft cluster will also enable artisans to produce products that match international standards.
“More than 500 artisans, mostly women and girls, will be engaged in the production of coir items under the guidance of Bayababa Women’s Coir Cooperative Society. This organization will train them to cope with the constantly changing fashion trends,” said Santosh Kumar Mishra, General Manager of the District Industry Centre (DIC), Kendrapada.
“We have decided to rejuvenate the coir craft through the cluster approach. We will also create opportunities for artisans to earn their livelihood through the craft cluster. A database of the socio-economic conditions of the craftspersons of the areas would be prepared so that possible intervention can be envisaged in a phased manner,” he explained.
The coir craft items are eco-friendly, biodegradable and reduce the use of plastic. Mats, carpets, bags, wall hangings, etc are made from coir fibre. Coir hats, baskets, hand fans, table mats, flower pots and other items are also in great demand, Mishra said.
Tourists are expected to flock to the craft cluster near the Cuttack-Chandabali state highway while visiting the famous Bhitarkanka National Park here. “We will build proper roads, training centres, work sheds and houses for craftspersons and other infrastructure in the proposed craft clusters,” he added.
The district’s coir artisans hailed the government’s move. “We welcome the state’s initiative to set up a craft cluster in our area,” said Srimati Nayak, Secretary of Bayababa Women’s Coir Cooperative Society at Akulipada village.
Source: The Times of India
