Artisans waiting for an Urban Haat at Berhampur

RP Tripathy

In the absence of state support and lack of market linkage for the textile and handicraft products, the artisans of South Orissa are leading a miserable life and most of the ancient craft and textile products produced in the region are dying with time. Though of late, the State government has taken some measures by opening Ekamra Haat at Bhubaneswar and Konark Haat at Konark for promoting craft and textile products perfected by artisans and weavers, similar initiatives for promoting the famous handicraft and textile products of South Orissa is needed through the establishment of an Urban Haat at Berhampur to give livelihood support to the artisans and to attract more tourists to the region.

Horn work of Paralakhemundi, silk products of Berhampur, brass work and wood craft of Belaguntha, metal craft of Nabarangpur and various tribal art forms of the region are loosing importance because of absence of state support and market. Berhampur being the commercial hub of South Orissa, an Urban Haat here will certainly boost this ailing sector by exposing it to a strong market.

Source: IDCO