NABARD spends Rs 2.33 cr for State weavers

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on Sunday celebrated the National Handloom Day here in presence of weavers, farmers, NGO representatives and Government officials.

State Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Minister Rita Sahu, Development Commissioner PK Jena, Principal Secretary Finance, Vishal Kumar Dev and CGM, NABARD C Udaybhaskar joined as guests and spoke about the importance of the day.

The guests highlighted the State's rich cultural heritage, arts and crafts and the immense scope for improving the extent and quality of its handloom and textiles products.

The Minister thanked the NABARD as it is taking many initiatives for the off- farm sector which include formation of Off Farm Producer Organisations (OFPOs) and skill development of the weavers.

To help in the marketing of the products of the weavers, the NABARD also is sponsoring exhibitions and supports the establishment of rural haat for better marketing of the handloom products, Minister Sahu informed.

She said the State has the highest number of OFPOs (10) in the country. NABARD till date has sanctioned an amount of Rs 2.33 crore for weavers development supporting 1,450 weavers.

Development Commissioner Jena urged all stakeholders to come forward for greater convergence towards addressing challenges faced by the handloom sector like drudgery, lack of marketing, etc in the State and the rural economy at large for ensuring progressive growth in all spheres.

The NABARD has taken up GI registration of Odisha's rich handloom products like Mayurbhanj Saree, tribal Phuta Saree and Jagatsingpur saree etc.

The NABARD launched "Stall in Mall" at Esplanade Mall, Bhubaneswar to help market the products of weavers of the State.