THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JHARSUGUDA, OCTOBER 5, 2026

A six-month training programme supported by Vedanta Aluminium has helped 32 artisans in Jharsuguda strengthen their skills in Sabai grass weaving, with a focus on product innovation, livelihood opportunities and preserving the traditional craft.

The training was conducted at the Kumudapali Sabai Training Centre under Project VedKala, Vedanta Aluminium’s community development initiative aimed at preserving traditional crafts and strengthening rural livelihoods.

Sabai grass, a natural fibre widely used by artisan communities in Odisha, can be woven into a range of products, including baskets, utility items, home décor and lifestyle accessories. The craft, passed down through generations, combines traditional knowledge with the skill and patience required to turn a natural resource into functional and aesthetically appealing products.

Speaking about the initiative, C. Chandru, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium - Jharsuguda, said, “Traditional crafts are an integral part of Odisha’s cultural heritage and hold significant potential for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities. By strengthening artisanal skills and improving access to markets, we can help traditional craft forms remain relevant in an evolving economy. Through our VedKala initiative, we are committed to preserving local craft traditions while enabling artisans to build sustainable livelihoods.”

Project VedKala has engaged more than 175 artisans in Jharsuguda across Sabai grass craft, bamboo craft and Saura art. The initiative combines skill development, product enhancement and market access to help artisans improve their products and explore additional livelihood opportunities while preserving local artistic traditions.

Meena Ping, a participant from Kumudapali village, said, “Sabai weaving has been part of our lives for generations, and this training has helped us further develop the skills passed down to us. Along with learning new techniques and designs, we gained a better understanding of how our products can reach a wider market. This has given us confidence to continue the craft with renewed purpose and explore new opportunities to support our families through our work.”

During the programme, Sarmistha Paricha, Block Programme Coordinator, Jharsuguda Block, Odisha Livelihoods Mission, said, “The future of Sabai craft lies not only in preserving traditional skills but also in strengthening the entire value chain, from raw material availability to market access. By promoting Sabai grass cultivation and creating opportunities to showcase local products, we can help artisans build sustainable livelihoods while keeping this rich tradition alive.”

Vedanta Aluminium has undertaken community development initiatives in Jharsuguda covering livelihoods, education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation. The company said its community programmes are benefiting more than 10 lakh people across Odisha and Chhattisgarh.