Bhubaneswar, Sept. 4: Introduction of e-commerce has turned global attention to the state's handicrafts and handloom industry.

The move has come as a blessing for weavers and craftsmen with sales growing exponentially and traditional products being promoted worldwide.

Two organisations - Utkalika and Boyanika - are marketing these items. While the former deals with the procurement and marketing of handicraft products both in India and outside, the latter deals with handloom products.

Boyanika began selling its products online in 2013 offering free shipping across the country and discounts up to 20 per cent. It witnessed sales of Rs 2,32,193 in 2013-14 and Rs 3,76,902 in 2014-2015. They have also tied up with eBay to promote their products outside the country.

The state government has undertaken a number of initiatives to promote online sales as well.

"We are taking part in international and national festivals to promote our weavers and their works. We are meeting sellers at the exhibitions and telling them about the various ways they could buy our products online," said joint secretary of the handloom and handicrafts department Raja Parija.

Utkalika has set a sales target of Rs 25 lakh through e-commerce this year. They have already tied up with eBay, Snapdeal and Indiamart to sell their products. Nearly 184 items are available on the websites that is accessible in 126 countries.

They are also planning to hire researchers to expand the online business. "Our handcraft products are in demand abroad since many tourists visiting India often ask if we have franchises in their countries. Online shopping is the best way to reach out to a large number of buyers. So, we will hire experts in the filed who would help in promoting our products online in a better way," said Utkalika managing director Gayatri Patnaiki.

Plans are also on to tie-up with other shopping portals to increase the availability of products to a large section of buyers.

The introduction of e-commerce has increased employment opportunities for weavers and craftsmen as well.

"We have started getting a lot of orders. My family members are also getting involved in the making to meet deadlines. The feeling that people from across the world can see and buy our items is great," said Ananta Rout, a weaver of a co-operative society in Cuttack.

A number of young entrepreneurs and private organisations are also promoting the online sale of handloom and handicrafts of the lstate. Websites such as www.odishaestore.com and www.odishasareestore.com offer traditional saris and crafts online.