Koraput gears up to boost tourism through handicrafts and handloom initiatives

By Suryanarayan Panda

Bhubaneswar, April 6: Koraput district is witnessing steady progress in the tourism sector, with handloom, textile, and handicrafts emerging as key attractions for visitors, said Collector V. Keerthi Vasan. Highlighting the district’s rich cultural heritage, he stressed the importance of adding value to traditional products to meet the growing demands of tourists.

“Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are coming forward to produce improved and quality products. We must maintain a sustainable supply and ensure uncompromising quality to meet tourist expectations,” the Collector said.

He pointed out that Koraput is home to many unique art forms such as the terracotta of Laxmipur, the handloom of Kotpad, and bamboo crafts from Boipariguda, which have already captured the attention of visitors. “But there are many more thriving crafts across the district. When artisans work collectively, they gain better bargaining power,” he added.

To further strengthen the local economy and boost tourism, the district administration has planned the creation of a Handloom Village near Kotpad. This will allow tourists to purchase products directly from the place of production, enriching their overall experience. “Every block could eventually host a cluster craft village,” the Collector shared.

As part of these efforts, the district aims to establish a Terracotta Craft Village in Laxmipur and a Bamboo Craft Village in Boipariguda with Common Facility Centres and marketing infrastructure by October this year, aligning with the beginning of the tourist season.

He also highlighted that over 3,000 artisans in Koraput have already benefited from the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and urged all artisans to avail the scheme for their growth. “The district administration will provide full support to ensure artisans thrive,” he assured.

The remarks came during a workshop aimed at sensitising artisans about opportunities in the handloom and handicraft sectors. Over 100 artisans from various parts of the district participated in the event.

Renowned artisans such as Padma Shri awardee Govardhan Panika, known for his natural dye handloom weaving, and Sibani Priyadarshini Sahu, a young and acclaimed terracotta artist from Koraput, also addressed the gathering. They urged fellow artisans to take full advantage of government schemes and explore suitable markets to promote their crafts.

Sameer Patra, Deputy Director of the Department of Handicrafts, stated that the workshop was successful in raising awareness about various government initiatives. “The government is committed to supporting artisan-led enterprises, but Koraput has lagged behind due to lack of awareness. This workshop has created new opportunities by bridging that gap,” he said.

With coordinated efforts, Koraput is poised to become a vibrant hub of artisan-based tourism, drawing visitors not just to its natural wonders like Deomali, but also to its rich heritage of craft villages.

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Jangannath Temple (left) and Collector V. Keerthi Vasan.