CM Inaugurates Mission Shakti Bazar In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the Mission Shakti Bazar (MSB) in the city, emphasizing its role as a vital platform for fostering sustainable livelihoods among women in rural and semi-urban areas of the state. The establishment of MSB aligns with the 5T initiative, aiming to empower women entrepreneurs.

In a visit preceding the inauguration, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Shri V K Pandian, along with officials, inspected the final preparations of MSB on Feb 19.

This boutique store showcases and sells carefully curated products from Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state, operated by Khorda Matru Shakti Farmers Producers Company Ltd.

With nearly 200 SHGs, producer groups, and producer companies as shareholders, the MSB’s ownership structure is inclusive, with plans to involve thousands of women seeking a platform for their products. The KMFP Company, under the Department of Mission Shakti, aims to unlock market potential and promote women-led businesses in Odisha, with Kalgudi providing technical support.

The primary objective of the Bazar is to provide a sustainable marketplace for Mission Shakti products, ensuring competitive prices and consistent demand. It also aims to introduce consumers to products that are not typically available year-round in urban centers.

The Bazar will feature both agricultural and non-agricultural products sourced from SHGs, accompanied by an e-commerce portal facilitating online entrepreneurship opportunities for women. Notable attractions include Dhinki-Kuta rice, Kandhamal Haldi, Kotpad sarees, Dongria shawls, dhokra crafts, handmade kansa cutlery items, golden grass, and sabai crafts.

In the long run, consolidating SHG products in a centralized marketplace will attract bulk buyers, fostering value chains and standardization, thereby enabling SHGs to secure better prices. The event saw the presence of 5T Chairman Shri V K Pandian and Mission Shakti Commissioner cum Secretary Smt Sujata Rout Kartikeyan, among others.