Rayagada: A production-cum-display and sales centre of handicraft products prepared by the tribals, especially by members of Dongria Kondh and Lanjia Soura communities, was inaugurated at Chatikona in Rayagada district on Wednesday.

"The display-cum-sales counter will not only provide a good platform for marketing the handicraft products prepared by the tribals of the district, but will also attract more foreign and domestic tourists to the place," said tourism minister Ashok Panda, while inaugurating the centre in the presence of tribal development minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi and state and district-level officials.

The centre was constructed for Rs 1.98 crore sanctioned by the tourism department. The tribal development department executed the project.

"The culture and tradition of tribals are reflected in their handicraft works. Skill development training on various handicraft products will be provided to the tribal artisans at the centre to improve the quality and quantity of their products," said Rayagada collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar.

He added that tribals of various communities would be given training at the centre with an objective to raise the number of tribal artisans, including tribal weavers.

In October 2017, the Rayagada administration had launched a three-month training programme for the women of Dongria Kondh community on their famous hand-woven shawl.

The centre will also be used as an interpretation centre where seminars and talks will be held on tribal culture, its protection and preservation.

Tribal leaders of the district have welcomed the government's decision of establishing the centre.

"It is a welcome move by the government. The tribals of the region prepare various handicraft items. But they are often not able to sell those products and get good money owing to lack of marketing facilities. But, with the establishment of the centre we are giving them a place to sale the products. Their product making skills will also be improved through various training skills," said sarpanch of Kurli panchayat Dinzo Jakasika.

"Better marketing of products will surely strengthen the tribal economy," he added.