Centre plans to get GI AU tag for Sambalpuri handloom weavers

Sambalpur, July 24 (KNN) The Ministry of Textiles is working to get GI AU (Authorised Users) tag for weavers of Sambalpuri handloom products, informed Roop Rashi, IA&AS, Textile Commissioner on Saturday.

Speaking during an event in Sambalpur, she said that Initiatives are being made by the Ministry to get the GI tag for the Sambalpuri handloom products.

“By adopting strategic measures and promoting collaboration, we can uplift local enterprises and ensure their self-sustainability and resilience,” she said.

IIM Sambalpur organised a Valedictory Function of the Small Business Management Training Programme for Master Weavers of Odisha.

The event aimed to promote strategic collaborations with renowned organisations including Flipkart and SIDBI in order to support the handloom business in Odisha.

Dr. Subhranshu Sekhar Acharya, CGM, SIDBI was the Guest of Honour and Prof Mahadev Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur was also present during the event. Over 100 members of master weavers’ families also attend the event.

Rashi further stressed on the importance of understanding sustainability challenges in Indian enterprises through the right problem statement.

“Breaking free from the typical local enterprise mindset is key to fostering growth and sustainability. Creating a sustainable product value chain that empowers and recognizes producers is crucial. Identifying and acknowledging producers is vital for their effective bargaining and avoiding undervaluation,” she added.

As a successful outcome of this program, around 17 Master Weavers who have taken training have on-boarded the ONDC digital platform and now have started selling their product.

Soon, the platform will feature products of around 100 weavers that will further boost their visibility and opportunities. The digital catalogues of weavers on ONDC were showcased.  (KNN Bureau)