In a remarkable convergence of heritage and modern technology, hundreds of rural women across Odisha are embracing Generative AI tools to scale their traditional handicraft, apparel, and food processing enterprises.
Guided by the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF), women-led co-operatives—including Nabajiban, Srujanika, and Gruhalaxmi—are boosting family incomes while transforming local business landscapes across Jajapur, Ganjam, Anugola, and Dhenkanal districts.
These organisations have achieved impressive commercial milestones. Jajapur’s Nabajiban, known for preserving endangered Saura art and producing jute and tussar products, nearly doubled its annual turnover from Rs 27.33 lakh in FY25 to Rs 52.95 lakh in FY26.
Meanwhile, Ganjam’s Srujanika expanded its turnover from Rs 3.7 lakh to Rs 14 lakh within a year, supplying handcrafted items to the Indian Armed Forces and presentation gifts for President Droupadi Murmu. In Anugola and Dhenkanal, Gruhalaxmi supports over 2,250 women across 26 villages, surpassing Rs 1 crore in annual business.
Beyond financial growth, over 600 members participated in the India AI Impact Summit in Feb 2026. By learning to leverage tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for product design, business strategy, and communication, these women are stepping into leadership roles and securing major institutional orders nationwide.
