OKVIB and NIFT partner to promote khadi

The Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board (OKVIB) and National institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar have partnered to promote khadi products of the state. The Fashion and Lifestyle Accessories Department of NIFT, Bhubaneswar in association with OKVIB will chalk out a strategy to revive craftsmanship and to turn these craftsmen into successful enterprises through modern design development and market linkages.

Four teams comprising a total of around 26 students will stay in the traditional artisan villages to study their craft and develop designs to suit the contemporary tastes and market demands. The four teams would camp at Khairapadar in Kalahandi district famous for its wooden elephants and walking sticks, Belaguntha Ganjam, famous for its brass fish and prawn designs, Kalisahi and Kanitilo of Nayagarh which are known for the brass and bell metal items and artifacts respectively. Four teams would also travel to Gopalpur in Jajpur district and Anandpur in Keonjhar district, which specialize in Tussar work along with Maniabandha and Nuapatna, which are famous for their silk textiles and weaves.

OKVIB had earlier announced a plan of jointly promoting khadi products with Karnataka, which excels in cotton khadi items. The efforts will not to just promote khadi but also share understanding and expertise in terms of knowledge and technology transfer, while implementing steps for the growth of khadi institutions in Odisha.