Berhampur: E-commerce giant Amazon India has signed an MoU with eight weavers' co-operative societies in Ganjam district to educate, train and enable weavers and artisans to directly sell their products to its customers across the country.

"Handloom products have tremendous potential and demand in urban areas. This tie-up will help elevate popular handloom products from the cluster level," said assistant director, textiles, Utpal Ghosh. The partnership will also empower and generate livelihood opportunities and income for artisans and boost their economy, he said.

Amazon India will not only provide an online market link, but also train weavers and artisans in making the products more attractive, appealing and marketable.

There are 2,700 weavers in Ganjam who operate on 1,100 looms. 700 of these operate under co-operative societies. The weavers produce a striking range from tussar silk to cotton with a brilliance, glaze and texture that are unmatched, said Ghosh.

Ganjam has different co-operative societies involved in the production of cotton and silk sarees. These well-crafted, vibrant sarees are only sold either at local markets or neighbouring districts. The Bomkai cotton saree from Ganjam, named after a tribal village, have been influenced by tribal art, and are embroidered with temple spire patterns on the border.

"This move will definitely help promote traditional sarees," said Berhampur Pata Handloom Weaver's Welfare Association secretary K. Bhima Raju.