Bhubaneswar: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday virtually laid the foundation stone for an AI-based handloom and apparel park, a Tasar Silk park, seven mini garmenting units and several other projects, aimed at modernising production and expanding market access for weavers.The governor also inaugurated a fabric calendaring unit at Routpada in Khurda during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations by handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department here.He said handloom products are more than textiles and reflected Odisha’s heritage, craftsmanship and self-reliance, lauding the contribution of the state’s weavers’ community in preserving its rich cultural legacy.Officials said the projects for which the foundation stones were laid are expected to improve processing facilities, boost value addition and enhance livelihood opportunities for thousands of weavers across the state.Handlooms, textiles and handicrafts minister Pradeep Bal said the state govt is focusing on strengthening the sector through investments in infrastructure, design development, skill upgradation, marketing support and social security measures for weavers and their support staff. He urged people to choose handloom products to support the livelihood of traditional weavers.Commissioner-cum-secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar said the department was focusing on innovation, sustainability, traceability and technology-driven interventions to make Odisha’s handloom sector more competitive.On the occasion, the department honoured veteran weaver Surendra Meher of Barpali in Bargarh district with a Lifetime Achievement Award and six weavers with State Handloom Awards, while four others were presented Tantakruti Awards for excellence in craftsmanship and their efforts in the preservation of traditional weaving.Films on the revival of Kusum fabric, Karuna Silk and the use of blockchain and Internet of Things technology for product traceability, were screened on the occasion.
