Introduction
Talabasta village in the Banki sub-division of Cuttack district, Odisha, is home to traditional artisans skilled in cane weaving and terracotta pottery. These eco-friendly crafts represent Odisha’s rich heritage and offer significant livelihood opportunities. However, the artisans face multiple challenges in terms of raw material, market access, and skill enhancement. Haven Crafts, a social enterprise committed to artisan empowerment, has initiated field visits, skill awareness drives, and strategic interventions to support these crafts.
Challenges Identified in Cane and Terracotta Crafts
1. Raw Material Availability
- Cane Craft: Decline in quality cane due to deforestation and lack of regulated supply channels.
- Terracotta: Limited access to good-quality clay and traditional kiln setups.
2. Traditional Designs & Product Stagnation
- Lack of design innovation restricts appeal in modern markets.
- Crafts remain rooted in heritage without adaptation for contemporary utility.
3. Limited Market Reach
- Artisans sell mostly during local fairs or through middlemen.
- No access to broader digital markets or institutional buyers.
4. Declining Artisan Interest
- Youth from artisan families are shifting to labor jobs or urban migration due to uncertain incomes.
- Terracotta work is labor-intensive with low financial returns.
5. Infrastructure and Technology Gap
- Absence of proper workspaces, drying zones, and electric kilns.
- No machinery for advanced cane processing or finishing.
Proposed Solutions by Haven Crafts
- Design Intervention: Collaborate with design students from NIFT/NID to modernize products (e.g., wall décor, office utilities, sustainable gift items).
- Raw Material Banks: Establish linkages for sustainable cane sourcing; promote clay collection from riverbeds with environmental safeguards.
- Cluster Development: Advocate cluster recognition under SFURTI/ODOP for Talabasta artisans.
- Eco-Branding: Market cane and terracotta items as biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives to plastic and synthetic décor.
- Skill Diversification: Conduct workshops on glazing, surface finishing, product safety, and multipurpose cane uses.
- Access to Tools: Introduce solar-powered kilns and electric dryers to improve product consistency and reduce labor.
Initiatives by Haven Crafts
1. Field Interaction and Baseline Study
- Haven Crafts team conducted field surveys in Talabasta to document artisan count, craft categories, and existing challenges.
- Interactive sessions were held with master artisans, SHGs, and youth groups to understand local aspirations.
2. Artisan Mapping and Database Creation
- Registered over 50 artisans from Talabasta working in cane and terracotta crafts.
- Documented their needs, specialties, and income levels for future interventions.
3. Awareness and Digital Empowerment Program
On 13th May 2025, Haven Crafts organized a Digital Marketing & Financial Literacy Workshop for artisans in Talabasta.
Key Highlights:
Objective: To introduce artisans to online platforms, UPI payments, QR codes, and product photography.
Sessions Conducted:
- Introduction to WhatsApp Business, Facebook Marketplace, and Haven Crafts platform listing.
- Live demo on how to click professional photos using mobile and edit with Canva.
- Training on writing product descriptions and pricing for online sales.
- Financial literacy session by Sri Abhaya Mallick,Retired AGM, Reserve Bank of India, covering savings, loans, SHG bank linkages, and digital banking tools.
Participation: Over 50 artisans (including 28 women) participated and were issued participation certificates. Follow-up handholding sessions are planned every fortnight.
Conclusion
Talabasta’s cane and terracotta crafts carry centuries of traditional wisdom, but they are at risk due to market disconnect and lack of modern exposure. Haven Crafts is committed to reviving these crafts through a holistic approach—skill development, design innovation, digital empowerment, and market linkage. Continued collaboration with institutions, government departments, and financial agencies is key to ensuring that the artisans of Talabasta are not only preserved but empowered.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
Haven Crafts extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed generously to the success of the artisan empowerment initiative in Talabasta, Cuttack. We are especially thankful to Sri Abhaya Mallick, Retired AGM, Reserve Bank of India, for conducting a highly informative and practical session on Financial Literacy, empowering artisans with essential knowledge on savings, credit, and digital banking. Sri Akhya Kumar Behera, Social Worker, for his guidance in connecting community stakeholders and promoting artisan welfare. Smt. Mamata Manjari Pal, MBK, Damapada Block, for her dedicated role in mobilizing women artisans, coordinating local participation, and facilitating smooth field engagement. Sri Prasant Behera, President, Jajpur District Branch, Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha, for his invaluable coordination, leadership, and strong advocacy for artisan rights and recognition. Smt. Sakuntala Muduli, Master Craftsperson (MCP), Terracotta, for her hands-on efforts in organizing artisan gatherings, sharing traditional knowledge, and ensuring the active involvement of the terracotta craft community during the field visit.
Their collective efforts and unwavering commitment to artisan development have been instrumental in making this initiative impactful and meaningful. Haven Crafts remains grateful for their collaboration and looks forward to continued partnerships to uplift and celebrate Odisha’s vibrant craft heritage.