Bhubaneswar, May 16 (UNI) The Odisha government will now prioritise both retail and digital marketing of its handloom products.
The State’s Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department has planned to formulate a comprehensive marketing strategy in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Commerce and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
This initiative aims to promote Odisha’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage globally.
The decision to enhance digital marketing efforts was taken during a two-day review workshop involving field officers from the handloom, textiles, and handicrafts sectors across the state.
The workshop featured in-depth discussions on “Digital Marketing”, with ONDC Vice President Aditi Sinha providing detailed insights into leveraging digital platforms.
Divisional Commissioner and Administrative Secretary Guha Punam Tapas Kumar emphasised that this initiative will not only showcase Odisha’s cultural legacy but also contribute to the economic development of the state’s weavers and artisans.
He urged all officials to remain dedicated to achieving this shared goal.
Officers from all 30 districts were briefed on various government schemes for the development of the handicraft sector and their implementation strategies.
Detailed deliberations were held on the collective development of artisans working in different handicraft hubs across the state.
The workshop also addressed the management guidelines for "Common Amenity Centers" and "Handicraft Tourism Centers" established by the department.
Presentations were made on initiatives by the State Handicraft Development Organization and the Odisha Handicraft Museum-Arts, highlighting efforts to promote and develop the sector.
Additionally, awareness was raised about the support and opportunities provided by “Utkalika” for the commercialisation of handicrafts.
Departmental officers stressed the importance of ensuring that various government schemes reach grassroots-level artisans and weavers.
The workshop was inaugurated by Odisha's Minister for Cooperatives, Handlooms, Textiles, and Handicrafts, Pradeep Bala Samanta.
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