To revive the seashell crafts of Puri and elevate its artisans to the global stage, the project titled “Feasibility Study to Identify and Promote Commercially Viable Technologies for Value-Added Product Development in Seashell Crafts from the Puri Region of Odisha” was successfully inaugurated in the serene surroundings of Kochikeswar temple at Sadanandapur, Gop Block, Puri District on 11 th February 2025. The event marks the official launch of this important initiative, which has been approved under the NHDP scheme of DC Handicrafts and implemented by KIIT-TBI.
Prior to the inaugural ceremony, local artisans led by Ms. Smita Biswal extended a warm welcome to the guests from DC-Handicrafts and KIIT-TBI in traditional style. This was followed by the presentation of flower bouquets and the honouring of guests with ceremonial cloth. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Samarendra Sahu, Advisor, KIIT-TBI; Kumar Premendra Sinha, Handicrafts Promotion Officer, HSC Bhubaneswar; and Mr. Jagannath Mohapatra, Master Craftsman from Puri. In addition to the distinguished guests, the occasion was further enriched by the presence of the project team, led by Dr. Barada Prasanna Sahoo (Project Head), along with experts Mr. Suramya Mishra, Mr. Manoranjan Maharana, Ms. Subhasmita Sahu, and investigators Mr. Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Mr. Abhishek Tripathy, and Ms. Nibedita Khatua.
Following the welcome address by Ms. Smita Biswal, the official inauguration and launch of the project took place through a lamp-lighting ritual, symbolizing the commencement of a collaborative effort to uplift and strengthen the seashell craft sector. Shri Samarendra Sahu then delivered the keynote address outlining the project’s objectives and deliverables, while emphasizing its significance to the local artisans and the anticipated outcomes of the focused survey. He mentioned that the Seashell sector has its uniqueness as compared to many other handicrafts products, in view of its wide dispersal across the Country, as well as across the Globe, along the coastal line.
There would be not only scope for learning from the experiences of similar clusters in other parts of the Country but also across the Globe. The proposed study will focus on the documentation of the best practices in all such centres with respect to manufactured products, technology possibilities as well as marketing nuances. He hoped that DC Handicraft office would be inclined to go for the development of the Seashell Industries in Puri District in Cluster mode, based on the recommendation of the Proposed Study, which would not only help in multiplying the existing sales and revenue generation from the industry but also would help in impacting the socio-economic development of the area in a significant way.
Building on this, Kumar Premendra Sinha and Mr. Jagannath Mohapatra shared valuable insights on the project highlighting how it would benefit the artisans. Afterwards, Dr. Barada Prasanna Sahoo outlined the key areas to be surveyed, including raw materials, product profile, innovation opportunities, financial standing, socio-economic factors, technology, and marketing related to seashell crafts. Over the six-month survey, these areas will be thoroughly explored through a structured questionnaire. The survey will document both traditional and modern crafting techniques, identify supply chain challenges, assess income levels, explore market access, highlight training needs and uncover gaps and obstacles that have hindered the growth of the craft and its artisans.
During the session, some artisans actively shared their personal experiences and challenges, highlighting issues such as the rising costs and shortage of raw materials, limited market exposure, lack of technical training, and financial constraints. Furthermore, many artisans reported their struggle with sourcing quality seashells at affordable rates, which ultimately hindered their national and international presence. Besides, they are in dire need of modern design and innovative practices to enhance their product appeal and profitability. Last but not the least, inadequate funding and credit facilities are also hindering their ability to scale production.
The issues of the artisans were well taken by the project team and the team assured the artisans that over the next six months it will work closely with them along with other stakeholders, and market experts to develop a strategic roadmap for the sustainable growth of the seashell craft sector. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Subhasmita Sahu. This initiative marks a significant step toward revitalizing seashell crafts in Puri, empowering artisans, and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region.