Rourkela: The five-day terracotta exhibition, organised by the state government's handicrafts department, started at the Bhanja Bhavan Exhibition Ground on Wednesday.

The exhibition is being conducted by the regional industry centre, a part of District Industry Centre, at the instruction of director of industries.

Eighty kiosks are exhibiting various kinds of terracotta products form many parts of the state. Assistant manager, projects, District Industry Centre, Baneswar Subudhi said that over 100 terracotta artisans from Balangir, Kendrapara, Khurda, Phulbani, Sonepur, Bargarh, Nayagarh and other areas are taking part.

"I love using ethnic products to decorate my house, and this is the place to get hold of them," said Sabita Mohanty, a homemaker.

Subudhi said that this year the target was to do business of Rs 40 lakh. Last year, the target had been Rs 25 lakh, but the volume of business touched Rs 30 lakh.

"The utensils and filters all are part of our efforts to bring in innovation," he said. "We train them and pay each participant Rs 1,000 a month as stipend."

He said such a training camp was currently on at Lahikata and 30 trainees in two batches were taking part in it. The six-month programme started this month and will continue for six months. "The trainers are actually past trainees, and they get Rs 10,000 a month for the programme," said Subudhi.

The artisans taking part in the exhibition are positive. "I come here every year and get good response," said Arun Khamari, who is selling utensils and masks.

This time, a kiosk from Khurda with popular cartoon characters such as Chhota Bhim, Mickey Mouse, Doreman and others is a hit with the visitors. Artisan Khageswar Das said: "Unless we innovate, we cannot meet the need of the customers."

Rourkela sub-collector Himanshu Sekhar Behera inaugurated the exhibition. Speaking on the occasion, he said: "This serves two purposes - livelihood and a boost to cultural practices."

The exhibition will continue till March 18.