BALANGIR: Nuapada, which hogs headlines every year for distress migration, could seek inspiration from the women of Khujapeda village who are using tiny paddy grains to craft a better future for themselves. Around 30 women from the village, on persuasion of District Industry Centre (DIC), underwent training on paddy craft a few months back and are now able to earn themselves a decent income. Not long back, most of these women worked as labourers and construction workers, often migrating to other States in search of livelihood. Now, they are accomplished artisans producing beautiful products out of paddy grains. The products have a great demand in the market and are selling like hot cakes.
The paddy grains are strung together to bamboo slivers using bright coloured threads to create puja baskets, flowers, idols and others. “We use the paddy grains to make the products. Production is not costly and the products have a great demand. The cost of the products range between `500 and `1,500,” said Sabitri, an artisan.Pushpa, another artisan, was thankful to the Government for the support. “We used to migrate to other States to work as labourers or construction workers. It was really painful to leave the village and family for long period. Now, we are earning livelihood by paddy craft in our village.”
Krushna Gadnadia, a trainer of the DIC, said the officials suggested self-engagement to these women and they readily accepted the proposal. “Women were happy that they need not have to leave their village for work. Two self-help groups (SHGs) have been formed and the DIC imparted them the required training and provided necessary support,” he added.
Now, the products are slowly making inroads into the district and State-level craft melas and exhibitions. “It is nice to see the new-found confidence in these women and the drive to do well. Steps are being taken to ensure market linkages for their products,” said Trilochan Kar, General Manager of DIC, Nuapada.