A group of women from Odisha‘s Balasore district who once depended on collecting sal leaves from forests and making leaf plates for their livelihood have achieved a significant milestone, receiving an order for cloth bags from London. 

The development has brought recognition to the Navadurga Producers Group in Dhobashila panchayat under Nilagiri block and opened new opportunities for hundreds of women associated with self-help groups in the area.

An Order From London

Members of the Navadurga Producers Group are currently engaged in fulfilling a major cloth bag order received from London. Women associated with 20 self-help groups under the producers’ collective are working to meet production targets and complete the assignment on schedule.

The order has generated enthusiasm among the women, who see it as an opportunity to expand their market beyond India.

“We are extremely happy to receive the order. We are even happier that our handmade bags will be exported abroad, and it has strengthened our belief in our own abilities,” said Subhadra Giri, a member of the self-help group.

Several other members expressed similar sentiments over the international recognition of their products.

Journey Towards Self-Reliance

Many of the women earlier earned their livelihood by collecting sal leaves from nearby forests and making leaf plates. In 2018, they came together to form a self-help group and began working collectively.

Later, the president of the women’s group approached MP Pratap Sarangi seeking support. Through his personal initiative, 50 sewing machines were provided to the group, enabling members to venture into large-scale bag manufacturing.

Subsequently, self-help groups across the panchayat joined hands to establish the Navadurga Producers Group, creating livelihood opportunities for more than 200 women.

“A buyer from London inspected our products and appreciated their quality. Following the visit, they expressed interest in placing orders,” said SHG leader Nibedita Das.

Recognition Beyond Borders

Recently, a delegation from London visited Nilagiri and examined samples of bags produced by the group before agreeing to place an order.

“Two buyers from London visited the self-help group. They liked the products and will be placing an order soon. We will also launch two new units shortly to further empower women,” MP Pratap Sarangi said.

The achievement is being viewed as a major success for the women’s collective and a matter of pride for the district, highlighting the growing reach of rural women-led enterprises in international markets.