KENDRAPADA: The state government and Centre will spend Rs 12.51 crore to train and provide marketing facilities to around 3,000 women craftspersons in 12 villages of Kendrapada district under World Bank-aided Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (Sankalp) scheme.
Recently, an MoU was signed between skill development and entrepreneurship with State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts of the handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department and district skill committee for skill and entrepreneurship development of women in golden grass craft in Kendrapada, said collector (Kendrapada) Samarth Verma.
“Though golden grass naturally grows in Kendrapada district and the craft is traditionally practised here, inadequate skilling and lack of market linkage has failed to generate a sustainable income for women,” he said.
Under this project, the district administration will promote the craft and improve the financial condition of skilled craftspersons. “We will also organise exposure trips for the craftpersons to other states and help them sell their craft items in the craft melas at many places in the country,” added the collector.
The government will build proper roads, training centres, work sheds and houses for craftspersons and other infrastructure under the project, added the collector.
The golden grass products are eco-friendly, biodegradable and will reduce the use of plastic. Members of around 300 self-help groups have been making and selling golden grass hats, fans, baskets, tablemats, toys and other items. “The demand for golden grass has increased in the big markets of cities,” said the collector.
The craft originated centuries ago and since generations these are being used as utility items. “Women during their leisure time prepare these high-quality craft items at a common place. This traditional craft has transcended from generation to generation,” said Sampad Nayak, a woman craftsperson. “Earlier, middlemen used to make profit by selling craft items in big towns and cities after buying the craft items from us,” added Nayak.