A delegation of 45 mid-senior level NABARD officers from various states, led by Ms. Amita Tripathi, DGM and Faculty Member, National Bank Staff College, Lucknow, visited the Urnati Jute Cluster in Gop, Puri on January 28, 2025. The visit was part of a three-day training program on Agri Startups and Agri MSMEs, organized at KIIT-TBI. Mr. Avnish Kumar Jha, DGM and Faculty Member, NABARD, also supervised the program, while Mr. Debashis Tripathy, Sr. Manager-Cluster Network, coordinated the visit.
The visit aimed to provide insights into the establishment, implementation, and operations of a rural manufacturing cluster under the SFURTI scheme of the Ministry of MSME. Upon arrival, the delegates received a traditional welcome from women artisans working at the cluster’s Common Facility Centre (CFC). They toured the facility, observing the artisans crafting value-added jute products such as bags, folders, bottle holders, wall hangings, and home décor items.
During interactions with the artisans, the officers explored unit economics, remuneration, design interventions, training, and marketing strategies. Ms. Sabita Nayak, board member of the Urnati Jute Trust, shared her vision of expanding the cluster into a rural eco-tourism hub and sought NABARD’s support. In response, Ms. Amita Tripathi expressed NABARD’s willingness to assist in marketing such an initiative.
The visit proved highly engaging and informative for the participants. Following the cluster visit, they also explored the iconic Konark Sun Temple and Chandrabhaga Beach, further enriching their experience in Odisha’s cultural and economic landscape.
