Orissa will set up 19 common facility centers at different weaving clusters to give a fresh lease of life to the handloom and handicraft sectors. These centers will help weavers and craftsmen incorporate new and innovative designs in their work in tune with market demands. One such center has already come up.

New designs, keeping in mind global demand, 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 advanced technology training in different crafts to improve their skills. Advanced machinery would be installed at these centers for design prototypes and sample development.

A handicraft museum is being set up and it will have a huge collection of art and crafts from across the state. The museum is being developed on 12 acres of land. Antique equipment associated with weaving and those having historical and cultural significance for the handloom sector are being collected for the museum. Craftsmen and artisans would give live demonstrations at the museum.

The state will also promote Tussar silk weaving. A silk park will be set up.