Gramodaya Weavers Cooperative Society of Nari village of Dhamtari has given employment and self-reliance to women through Sambalpuri sarees. Women are becoming economically empowered with government support and training.
Raipur. Gramodaya Weavers Cooperative Society in small village Nari in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh has presented an inspiring example of success through its hard work, solidarity and vision. This story is not just limited to economic development, but also shows that if rural women get the right opportunities and support, they can achieve great achievements in every field. Today this village has become a beautiful example of self-reliance, tradition and modern thinking.
New identity with Sambalpuri sarees: confluence of tradition and innovation
Earlier weaving was not the main occupation in women villages. But seeing the increasing demand for Sambalpuri sarees in Odisha, the committee entered this field. Sambalpuri sarees are known for their special Ikat designs and attractive colours. Making these requires high skill and patience. Due to the efforts of the committee, a new avenue of livelihood opened up in the village and people’s income started increasing.
Got strong support from government schemes
Chhattisgarh government has continuously supported this committee to make it self-reliant. Under the government textile production program, regular thread is being provided to the weavers, which creates employment. Along with this, weavers have also been given training and new looms, which has improved both production capacity and quality. With this cooperation, the committee is able to produce better products as per the market demand.
Increasing demand and better income: success of weavers
Today the sarees prepared by Gramodaya Weavers Cooperative Society are mainly being sold in the markets of Odisha. The committee is producing around 300 to 400 sarees every month. Due to this, the monthly turnover has reached Rs 3 to 4 lakh, which is a big achievement for a rural area.
Women empowerment: a big step towards self-reliance
Women have got the biggest benefit from this initiative. Women who were not involved in this work earlier have become skilled weavers today. Now they are financially independent and their respect in the family and society has also increased. Where earlier women used to earn Rs 300-350 per day, now their income has become Rs 550-600 per day. In the future, with training and experience, they can earn Rs 1000-1200 per day.
Future possibilities: Branding and digital marketing will provide new expansion
This cooperative society of village women is progressing rapidly. If it gets support from branding, digital marketing and access to new markets, it can make its mark on a larger scale. This example shows that when government support and the hard work of local people come together, even small villages can achieve great success.