Bhubaneswar: The state government has come up with a mobile application to promote rural products of the state.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the mobile application, ORMAS Mayur Shilpa, on the inaugural day of Sisir Saras. The application will promote the products and also facilitate sales.
Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), an autonomous body under panchayati raj department, organised the exhibition. The fair aims to encourage new technologies and business models among rural artisans. This year, Sisir Saras has 300 kiosks and more than 600 people are taking part in it.
"We will spend on the development of rural artisans and provide them resources, skills and financial benefits," said department minister Pradeep Maharathy.
Handicrafts made from carved wood and stone, madhubani and pattachitra paintings, dhokra craft, durry carpets, cane and bamboo works of Assam and Tripura, dry flower from Manipur, wooden artefacts from Karnataka and jute bags of West Bengal are some of the major attractions at the fair.
Apparels made from various hand-woven fabrics, including silk, tussar, and cotton, are available at the fair.
Visitors can also buy various homemade pickles prepared from mango, lemon, garlic, mint and coriander.
The exhibition will also have cultural performances by troupes from various states and Odisha. Last year, the exhibition made a business of around Rs 9.50 crore. "This year we expect the sales to rise to Rs 11 crore," said Maharathy.
