BARIPADA:The artisans of Purnachandrapur Ward No. 15 under Baripada Municipality are struggling to keep the age-old art of crafting decorative items with bamboo alive. Faced with several challenges, including stiff competition from plastic and fibre products, lack of marketing initiatives and soaring prices of bamboo, these artisans are deprived of a decent living.
Artisans claimed that the decorative bamboo items like pachiya, dala (basket), binchana (hand fan) and kula (winnowing fan), which once fetched them a good price, have now lost their charm to plastic and fibre products. Once upon a time, these products were popular in the global markets also. Around 300 families in Bag Sahi, Senapti Sahi, Baitha Sahi and Kuanra Sahi of the Ward eke out their living by making these handicrafts.
“In the absence of market linkages, there has been a decline in the demand for these items. The business is no longer profitable now,” said Ananta Kumar Bag (50), an artisan. The artisans are compelled to sell the items at lower prices. Such is the scenario that artisans like Bag and his wife, Laxmi, are now looking for alternative ways of income.
“What is lacking is a proper platform where the families can showcase their skills. With no Government assistance, we are struggling to keep this art alive,” the artisans of the Ward said.
The situation has turned worse as the price of bamboo has increased. However, the handicrafts are still being sold at lower prices. “ We sell Kula for `25 to `30, pachiya for ` 20, dala for ` 15 and binchana for `12. The prices are for single pieces,” Bag added.
“How can we afford to make these handicrafts at a time when prices of necessary commodities are increasing day-by-day. But, our income remains the same,” said another artisan, Phukuli Telenga (35).
The key breadwinner in a family of five, Kuni Bag, shared her misery as well. “Four traders come to buy these items fortnightly. They told me that these items are difficult to sell as their demand is decreasing,” Kuni said.
When it comes to initiative from the local administration, sources said the district authorities have often called upon agencies like the District Industrial Centre or Odisha Rural Marketing and Development Society to take up the cause of the artisans. But, the facilities are apparently yet to reach the poor artisans.
“The women artisans have been told by the authorities that Mayurbhanj Collector has taken the initiative of looking into the public grievances and visits the communities to resolve issues. But, we have been neglected by the Government so far. We request the Collector to take steps towards preserving this age-old art,” the artisans said.
Echoing similar views, Additional Project Director (Self-employment) of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Keshaw Chandra Jha said the agency has not much to offer to promote the art.
“Items made of bamboo are not in demand. There are no specific marketing society for these products. The agency can only help the artisans to sell their bamboo products at the exhibition centres,” Jha added.