Odisha: Artisans struggle for survival amid fear of third Covid wave

BHUBANESWAR: Already reeling from last year’s Covid crisis, the second wave has dealt a body blow to thousands of artisans, weavers and workers across Odisha. Given that most of their products belong to the non-essential category, they cannot sell them during the lockdown either, putting life and livelihood at stake.
Sumati Behera, a 55-year-old Sabai grass artisan of Suradiha village in Baliapal block has a pile of handmade products lying in a corner of her house. She used to attend at least seven to eight small and big exhibitions in a year and earn more than Rs 15,000 from each of them by selling her products. But now with restrictions on exhibitions during lockdown, she has not had any income for several months now. “The government has allowed the sale of essential items only. Our products may not be essential for others but they are very essential for us as we get our livelihood from them. All our savings got exhausted and there is no income,” said Behera.
Odisha Rural and Urban Producers’ Association (ORUPA) works with 10,000 artisans across all 30 districts. These artisans make an array of products ranging from natural fibre like coir and Sabai grass, applique products from cloth, terracotta products from clay, dhokra brass jewellery, paper mâché, wood carvings, stone work, Pattachitra paintings and many more. ORUPA has been helping them by accessing raw material, designs, providing markets, and in availing social security benefits. Since the pandemic struck last March, sales have stopped, leading to the dire situation for artists.
“The handloom and handicrafts artisans in the state are going through the longest struggle for survival and there is no hope in sight as there is a prediction of a third wave. We, through ORUPA, have been providing dry ration to over 2,000 families who are in extremely difficult situation. There is a need for immediate support for artisans who are facing financial crisis,” said Ashok Sahu, chief executive officer of ORUPA. Sahu said though ORUPA has started digital marketing of their products through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the sale is too little compared to their sale in pre-Covid period. Besides, some funds were raised through crowdfunding and with the help of other voluntary organisations to support the artisans.