A Living Reflection of Odisha’s Rural Spirit, Culture, creativity and Inner Strength: Minister
- ORMAS Signs MoU with ICAR-CPCRI
- Extended by Two Days Due to Heavy Footfall
Bhubaneswar, 17.01.2026: The 8th day of the annual Sisir Saras-2026 fair at the IDCO Exhibition Ground witnessed a significant boost for the state’s rural economy with high-level ministerial participation and a strategic partnership for coconut-based value-added products. Inaugural & Formalities The event commenced with the arrival of Sri Rabi Narayan Naik, Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Upon arrival, the guests were warmly welcomed with plants by the CEO of ORMAS, symbolizing the fair’s commitment to sustainability.
On this occasion, Minister Shri Naik said that over the past eight days, the IDCO exhibition ground has not remained confined merely as a fair venue; rather, it has transformed into a living reflection of Odisha’s rural soul, culture, creativity, and self-reliance. The skills in the hands of rural artisans and the hard work and dreams of women are no longer limited to dreams alone, but possess the potential to gain recognition at national and international levels. Through this fair, handlooms, handicrafts, rural cuisine, and GI-tagged products have been able to touch hearts, which has become clearly evident. The event has successfully translated the concepts of “Developed Odisha” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” into action.The “Kite Festival” organized on the occasion of Makar Sankranti has connected an age-old tradition with the younger generation. Praising the large turnout at the fair, the Minister stated that sales of rural products have increased and that these products have reached from the capital to villages across the state, thereby emerging as a bridge between rural and urban areas. Rural entrepreneurs and self-help groups have been provided with a new perspective to understand market linkages. The fashion show organized during the fair offered a new platform for showcasing traditional art forms. Through food stalls, a kids’ zone, selfie points, and cultural programmes, the fair has created an enjoyable and memorable experience for families.
On this occasion, Minister Shri Naik presented the Best Food Stall award to Sundargarh for its mahua products and to Mayurbhanj for its food items. The bamboo crafts of Tripura were honoured with the Best Outside State Innovative Product award, while the lac craft of Balasore received the Best Theme Stall award. In addition, the Koraput stall was awarded Best Packaging, the Gujarat stall received the Best Display award, and the Jajpur stall was honoured with the Best Salesman award.Strategic Growth & Collaboration In a major milestone for Odisha’s rural entrepreneurship, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI). Represented by Director Dr. K.B. Hebbar, the agreement focuses on the development of coconut-based value-added products, promising new livelihood opportunities for local farmers and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).To encourage grassroots excellence, the best-performing CBOs were felicitated for their outstanding contributions and craftsmanship.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, IAS, CEO, ORMAS, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Sanjeeb Ku Singh, OFS (SSG). In view of the heavy crowd gathering at the Shishir Saras Mela, the fair has been extended by two more days. The mela, which was scheduled to conclude on the 18th, will now remain open on the 19th and 20th as well.
