Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (Ormas), which works under the state panchayati raj department, will set up 380 kiosks to organise the national level Pallishree Mela at this year’s Bali yatra.

Ormas officials said the kiosks would be devoted to ethnic and rural crafts. Around 1,000-1,200 kiosks are expected to be set up at the 10-day long Bali yatra.

Joint director, Ormas, Bipin Rout told The Telegraph on Sunday that ethnic and rural crafts from most states across the country and Odisha were major attraction at the annual Pallishree Mela.

“We expect an increase in business this year as the number of kiosks has been increased from 345 to 380. Besides, to provide ease of business for both buyers and sellers, ATMs and coin vending machines will be installed at the Pallishree Mela,” Rout said.

All the kiosks at the Pallishree Mela have been insured against natural calamities and fire. “The deal has been inked with New India Assurance Company for Rs 4.5 crore,” Rout said.

He said the mela would also boost marketing prospects and ensure technology transfer by providing a platform to the artisans.

Ormas officials said nearly 1,400 artisans and self-help groups would take part in the mela. The other major attraction of the mela will be a food festival that will offer delicacies from Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab, along with traditional Odia food.

To promote plastic alternatives, customers will be delivered goods in bio-degradable packaging materials.

“Customers will be able to buy bio-degradable packaging materials at the mela,” Rout said.