Jashpur Bamboo Craft: Bamboo handicrafts are being given a new identity through the ‘Jashcraft’ brand in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh. Initiatives have been started to increase the income of artisans and strengthen rural employment through modern training, new designs, market linkage and skill development of women.
The traditional bamboo handicraft of Chhattisgarh is now moving towards a new identity. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is making continuous efforts for rural livelihood, women empowerment and linking local handicrafts with the modern market. In this series, an initiative to give a new look to bamboo handicrafts through ‘Jashcraft’ brand has been started in Jashpur district. Its objective is to increase the income of artisans by connecting them with modern technology, better designs and a larger market.
Women are getting modern bamboo handicraft training in Jashpur
A one month residential training program is being organized from 29th June to 29th July in Gram Panchayat Jholanga of Jashpur development block. This program, which is being run with the joint efforts of District Panchayat and National Rural Livelihood Mission (BIHAN), aims to strengthen the livelihood of about 150 families involved in bamboo handicrafts.
At present, 46 women are taking training in the first batch. During the training, the participants are being given practical training in the use of modern machines, new designs and manufacturing quality products as per the market demand. For this, expert trainers have been invited from Surat, Gujarat.
Income will increase due to modern design and big market
In the training, people are being taught to prepare modern bamboo products like fancy trays, vases, mats, decorative materials, attractive baskets, machiyas, furniture, sofas and beds.
About 250 families of Jashpur and Manora development blocks have been associated with bamboo handicrafts for a long time. These include a large number of women from Bihan self-help groups. Self-employment of these groups is being strengthened by connecting them with financial facilities like Revolving Fund, Community Investment Fund (CIF), bank linkage and Mudra loan. Besides, skill development and entrepreneurship training is also being provided from time to time.
‘Jashcraft’ brand will give national identity
It is planned to market the finished products under the ‘Jashcraft’ brand to various markets in the country along with rural marts, state and national level exhibitions. For this, the help of design and marketing experts is being taken, so that the artisans can get better prices for their products and a permanent market is available.
The state government believes that this initiative will not only give a new identity to the traditional bamboo craft but will also lead to women empowerment, increase in income of tribal families and strengthening the rural economy. The district administration has set a target that by the coming year, members of all self-help groups related to handicrafts can join the category of ‘Lakhpati Didi’.