States » EastPosted at: Oct 18 2026 1:55PM


Rural women in Odisha turn lacquer craftsmanship into economic self-reliance

Bhubaneswar, Oct 18 (UNI) A women-led enterprise in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district is turning traditional lacquer bangle-making into a profitable rural business, generating monthly earnings of over Rs 25,000 for each of its 25 members.
Formed in 2018, the Binapani Lacquer Producer Group in Kuchila Khunta village under Badasahi block combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs. Its colourful bangles are sold locally and supplied to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, among other states.
The initiative was spearheaded by Basumati Behera, who learnt the craft during a visit to Ranchi. Inspired by her husband Sukanta Behera’s observations of lac cultivation among tribal communities in Nilagiri, she returned to her village, trained local women and mobilised them to take up bangle-making.
With support from the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), the group received Rs 2.4 lakh in financial assistance to start production. ORMAS has also helped market its products through exhibitions, fairs and festivals at local, district and state levels.
The group procures raw lac from Nilagiri and local markets in Mayurbhanj at Rs 500-700 per kg, while colours are sourced from Kolkata. Members work around 25 days a month to meet market demand.
For member Sandhya Rani Behera, the earnings help meet household expenses and fund her child’s education. Other members said the enterprise had strengthened their financial independence and enabled them to contribute more substantially to their families.
Bhagyalaxmi Rout, deputy chief executive officer of ORMAS in Mayurbhanj, said collective effort had helped the women improve production, introduce new designs and expand their market reach.
The enterprise is not only creating sustainable livelihoods for rural women but also helping preserve the region’s traditional lacquer craft by adapting it to changing consumer preferences. The group now aims to expand its market beyond Mayurbhanj.
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