The Odisha state government has decided to set up 19 common facility centres at different weaving clusters to give a fresh lease of life to handloom and handicraft sector. These centres will help weavers and craftsmen incorporate new and innovative designs in their work in tune with the market demand, said joint secretary, handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department, Raja Parija.

At these centres, new designs, keeping in mind the demand of the global market, would be developed and then provided to the weavers and craftsmen. The move would help craftsmen explore new markets and earn more.

The artisans would also be provided short-term and advance technology training in different crafts to improve their skills. Advanced machineries would be installed at these centres for design prototypes and sample development.

The first such centre was set up at Khandagiri in the city last year.

The government is also making all efforts to complete the handicraft museum at Gandamunda this year which will be one of its kind with a huge collection of art and crafts from across the state. The museum is being developed on 12 acres of land. Craftsmen and artisans would give live demonstration at the museum.

Antique equipment associated with weaving and those having historical and cultural significance for the handloom sector are being collected for the museum, said a senior officer of the department.

The government to promote tasar silk weaving in the state also plans to set up a Tasar Silk Park at Bhangamunda in Keonjhar district.