Bhubaneswar: The Sisir Saras 2024 trade fair, organised by ORMAS under Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, concluded today evening.

Women & Child Development and Mission Shakti Minister Basanti Hembram graced the closing day’s programme as Chief Guest in the presence of Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena, Panchayati Raj Principal Secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani and ORMAS Director-cum-CEO Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar.

In the Women Empowerment dimension, trade fair like Sisir Saras provided a significant platform for rural women entrepreneurs. Guests also emphasised that, Sisir Saras will help a lot in improving their economic & social status and creating opportunities for their introduction in national and international markets.

This year, Sisir Saras Mela conducted a total business of over Rs 14 crore in just 10 days. This included enthusiastic participation from self-help groups (SHGs), producer groups, and entrepreneurs engaged in various fields.

During the Sisir Saras 2024, Madan Mohan Handloom of Jajpur in Odisha and Chhattisgarh's Nari Shakti (Kosa Silk) emerged as the highest sellers from their respective categories. They were felicitated by ORMAS with mementos and certificates during the concluding ceremony.

Moreover, Best Innovative Product, Best Display, Best Participants, and various groups representing them were felicitated as successful participants in the event.

Basudha stall by PR&DW department, Mo Khata & Clean City by BMC, SDGs stall by Planning and Convergence department, and OMBADC were acknowledged and felicitated by ORMAS in the best IEC stall display and activities category.

Similarly, ORMAS Nabarangpur for Mukhya Mantri Maka Mission, Mission Shakti RIPC of Ganjam, Rubber from Mayurbhanj, Lemon Grass from Koraput, and Pineapple products of ORMAS from Rayagada were felicitated for best display of the scheme in the Theme Pavilion of ORMAS.

The Sisir Saras 2024 trade fair at Biju Patnaik playground in Baramunda continued from 6th to 15th of January. It saw participation from a total of 26 states, including Odisha, and showcased over 400 stalls selling handloom, handicrafts, and food items.