Latest news with #ORMAS
Time of India
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Eco-Friendly rakhis trending ahead of Raksha Bandhan
1 2 Bhubaneswar: With Raksha Bandhan around the corner, climate-conscious youths in the city are increasingly choosing seed and organic rakhis over conventional plastic-based threads. Several organisations and individuals have stepped up to create innovative and eco-friendly alternatives that blend tradition with sustainability. Among them is the Bakul Foundation, which has been promoting seed rakhis for several years. "So, one gifts plants on Rakhi and can also plant the Rakhi itself," said Sujit Mahapatra, founder of the Bhubaneswar-based NGO. According to sources, these rakhis are handcrafted from handspun yarn made of organic cotton, naturally dyed, and embedded with living seeds. The packaging is equally eco-conscious, made from recycled wastepaper embedded with seeds, making it fully plantable and biodegradable. Buyers can choose from four categories of plants: medicinal, flowering, tree-growing, and indoor varieties. Options range from Brahma Dristi, Ajwain, and Insulin in the medicinal category to Ixora for flower lovers, and Baula, Panasa, or Amla for those wanting to gift trees. Indoor plants like Good Luck, Red Aglonema, and Snake Plant are also available. The seed rakhis come with various combinations of seeds such as sponge gourd, amaranthus, purslane, soybean, roselle, Malabar spinach, basil, cotton, and pumpkin. Entrepreneurs like Priyadarshini Das, who crafts rakhis using a wide variety of flower and vegetable seeds, say the demand has been encouraging. "I didn't expect this kind of response. Young people are coming to our stalls asking specifically for plantable rakhis. It's heartening to see tradition turning green," she said. Das has also created chocolate rakhis, which are edible and a big hit with children. For 21-year-old engineering student Arjun Panda, the decision was simple. "It's a small gesture, but it means a lot. My sister and I planted basil last year, and we still water it together," he said. Supporting the green shift, Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) is helping self-help groups (SHG)s with raw materials and market linkages for producing and selling seed and organic rakhis. Priced between Rs 15 and Rs30, these eco-friendly rakhis are not only sustainable but also affordable, making them a compelling alternative to plastic-based options.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Women self-help groups from Odisha's Cuttack produce handmade eco-friendly rakhis
CUTTACK: With Raksha Bandhan round the corner, various women self-help groups (SHGs) and producer groups across Cuttack district have come up with exquisite handmade eco-friendly rakhis, adding a special touch to the equally special occasion. Supported by state-run Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), these women are doing their bit for the environment besides showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit by crafting rakhis made of cow dung, bamboo and palm leaves, beautifully woven with intricate threadwork and fabric art. On Monday, Cuttack collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde inaugurated their rakhi shop at Annapurna Gramin Bazar near Zilla Parishad, Cuttack. Speaking on the occasion, joint CEO, ORMAS Bipin Bihari Rout said the initiative not only promoted the cultural significance of Raksha Bandhan but also furthered the economic empowerment of women by providing a sustainable source of seasonal income. 'Made out of indigenous and eco-friendly materials, these rakhis reflect the artistic skills, dedication and hard work of the women involved,' he added.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
FSSAI tag must for food stalls at Pallishree fair in Puri
1 2 Puri: In the wake of diarrhoea cases reported across several parts of the state, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has made FSSAI accreditation mandatory for all food stalls at this year's Pallishree Mela in Puri to ensure hygiene and compliance with food safety norms. Additionally, fire safety arrangements have also been made compulsory for all food vendors, with designated fire extinguishers and precautionary setups in place at each stall. The mela is scheduled to be inaugurated on Thursday at the Puri beach. Organised annually during Rath Yatra, the fair showcases rural entrepreneurship and traditional craftsmanship from across the country. The fair will run till July 7, continuing through the Suna Besha ritual of the deities, an extension of two days from previous years. The mela typically ended before Bahuda Yatra. This year, the fair features 268 stalls, with participants from 21 states. "The food court, a major attraction, will host 20 stalls offering a diverse range of cuisines, including Odia, Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Delhi and Bengali delicacies," said an ORMAS official. "With public health in mind, we've taken unprecedented steps this year," said Bhakti Pattnaik, head of ORMAS, Puri. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Clean Warehouses = Safe Workplaces SearchMore Learn More Undo "FSSAI accreditation is now compulsory, and no food vendors are allowed without it. Vendors are being monitored to ensure strict adherence to safety guidelines. We're also ensuring that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed by every stall," said Pattnaik. "Last year's fair saw business worth Rs 12 crore. With a higher expected footfall this year, sales are projected to surpass that figure," added Pattnaik. "The mela has shifted to a new beachfront location, which offers a larger and more open space. We are hopeful the change will attract an even bigger crowd than previous years." Earlier, the mela was held at the Bholanath Vidyapitha ground.
News18
24-05-2025
- Business
- News18
From Balangir To Britain: How Odisha's Mangoes Are Going International
Last Updated: Officials confirmed that the Balangir district administration has arranged for the export of high-quality fresh mangoes from Titlagarh to London Great news for farmers in Odisha: mangoes from the region are set to go international. The Department of Agriculture has initiated efforts to promote Odisha's mangoes globally. The Balangir district administration too has taken specific steps to export these mangoes to London. Officials confirmed that the Balangir district administration has arranged for the export of high-quality fresh mangoes from Titlagarh to London. In collaboration with ORMAS, NABARD, the Horticulture Department, the Agriculture Department, ASHA Institutions, JADEN Institutions, and Kisan Abhiyan Institutions, mangoes have been collected from farmers and are set to be exported to London and Delhi. The Titlagarh Sub-District Collector has inaugurated vehicles for this purpose. Due to a lack of market and the summer season, farmers in Titlagarh have faced issues with distress sales and damaged mangoes. This initiative will increase demand and help farmers get better prices. Titlagarh Sub-Collector Rehan Kshetri highlighted that farmers were struggling due to a lack of stockyards and marketing options, leading to distress sales. The district administration has addressed these issues to ensure farmers receive fair prices and that Odisha's mangoes can establish a presence in the international market. Horticulture Assistant Director Shriya Satpathy expressed excitement, stating, 'It is a memorable moment for us to be exporting mangoes to London. We are exporting 50 quintals of mangoes to New Delhi and London. Exporters are attracted to our high-quality fresh mangoes, and we will strive to maintain this smoothly." The district administration has exported 50 quintals of high-quality fresh mangoes to London and New Delhi, including varieties such as Langra, Mallika, and Amrapali. Farmers are pleased with this development. A local farmer told News18, 'We often don't get suitable prices here, and our mangoes frequently spoil due to the lack of cold storage. The district administration's steps are beneficial for us, and we are happy that Odisha's mangoes will establish their identity abroad."
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Odisha BJP govt to celebrate 1st anniv from June 11 to 13
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has planned several programmes next month to celebrate the completion of the first year of the BJP dispensation in the State, officials said on Sunday. Several events such as publication of report cards, exhibitions and public meetings would be conducted at the block, district and State levels from June 11 to 13, they said. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Saturday held a meeting to make preparations for the celebration of the first anniversary of the Mohan Charan Majhi government, an official said. Ahuja advised secretaries of various departments to showcase their achievements through exhibitions, thematic discussions, cultural events, book fairs, information booths and art exhibitions. The State-level programme will be held here at Janata Maidan, while the districts will host three-day-long events and five-day exhibitions by Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), another official said. The Information and Public Relations department will release a booklet, highlighting notable achievements of various departments in the last one year of the State government. The achievements made in the execution of Central schemes and projects will also be highlighted in the report, the officials said. The Chief Secretary has also directed all major departments to release their report cards, highlighting their successes and achievements. The reports should include details of the government's efforts in welfare schemes, poverty alleviation and uplifting marginalised communities, he advised. The Culture department has been asked to organise an artist camp in support of the Lalithakala Akademi. The departments were also asked to publish success stories of various welfare schemes and activities of the government in newspapers and other media. On the completion of one year, the BJP government will also release the first edition of the 'Pragati Prabaha', highlighting all development initiatives of the government, the officials said. The aim is to spread awareness on how citizens have benefited from various schemes, and all departments have been asked to contribute success stories, they said. The BJP, which formed the government in Odisha for the first time on June 12 last year, has also planned to celebrate the first anniversary in a big way.
