Bhubaneswar: State hosted Odisha Khadi Fair 2026 with a transformative vision for the sector, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of rural prosperity and modern entrepreneurship.
Addressing the valedictory session, MSME Minister Gokulananda Mallik identified khadi and village industries as primary drivers for rural employment and economic growth. MSME Secretary Shrimati Rashmita Panda graced the occasion.
He issued a strong appeal to the public to adopt a sustainable lifestyle by wearing khadi at least once a week, highlighting that such a commitment from citizens is essential for the long-term support of local artisans.
A defining feature of this year’s event was the strategic push toward digital inclusion and market modernization. Minister Mallik stressed that the sector’s future depends on its ability to attract younger consumers through contemporary designs and robust digital marketing strategies.
To turn this vision into reality, the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board successfully integrated 50 artisan and weaver groups into the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This initiative provides rural creators with a direct gateway to the national e-commerce market, moving beyond traditional physical storefronts.
The fair featured 75 stalls with diverse participation from several states, including Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh. This interstate collaboration fostered a competitive yet supportive environment for rural entrepreneurs, leading to business transactions totaling approximately 1.2 crore rupees by the end of the week.
During the ceremony, MSME Secretary Rashmita Panda delivered the welcome address, and Secretary Sanjay Kumar Mishra offered the vote of thanks.
The event was also attended by board member and former minister Devendra Nath Manasingh and Dr. Arundhati Devi. In the best stall category, Bapuji Khadi Seva Sangh claimed the top spot, followed by Maa Durga Gramya Shilpa Samiti and Resham Odisha.
The fair’s success underlines a new era where traditional weaving meets modern market linkages.