CUTTACK: The state-run Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is soon going to open Annapurna Gramina Bazar - The Village Store at Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) here.
The facility will serve as a dedicated platform for promotion and marketing of quality products made by rural entrepreneurs, women self-help groups (SHGs), farmers, artisans and local producers. It aims to provide direct market access to rural producers, enabling them to showcase and sell their products while ensuring fair returns for their efforts.
Joint CEO of ORMAS, Cuttack, Bipin Rout said the Annapurna Gramina Bazar will come up on 400 sq ft area outlet on the first floor of CNBT. “It will feature a wide range of traditional and locally produced items, including handloom products like Khandua, Sambalpuri, Nabakothi, Bomkai, among other varieties,” he said.
This apart, Rout said the bazar will also showcase diverse handicrafts including bamboo and cane products, Dhokra craft, terracotta items, horn crafts, wooden crafts, Pattachitra paintings, and jute products. “Food and agricultural products such as jaggery, honey, spices and diversified millet-based products will also be available for consumers. The store will also have a baby care centre and a store room,” he said.
Around 40 community-based organisations (CBOs) from Cuttack and other districts like Puri, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Angul, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur will be tagged with the market for procurement and supply of the products, Rout informed.
The store will be managed and operated by Cuttack Gramina Producer Enterprises Ltd, a producer-led company formed with the participation of rural community institutions. The company currently has 10 CBOs as member institutions and 100 shareholders, who are collectively contributing to the establishment and operation of the store, he said.
“Establishment of Annapurna Gramina Bazar is expected to bring multiple benefits to rural communities. Apart from strengthening market linkages for CBOs and producer groups, it will provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural artisans and farmers, and empower women entrepreneurs through better access to organised markets. The initiative will also help preserve traditional crafts, promote locally produced goods, and encourage the consumption of authentic rural products,” said Rout.