Bamboo artisans upgrading skills to overcome crisis-hit demand
   Date :29-Jul-2020

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By Piyush Shrivastava :
 
Indirana and adjoining villages in Jabalpur district known for bamboo handicraft have emerged as new centres for value-added bamboo products in ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Facing crucial financial and employment crunch during lockdown, the artisans have opted for creative ways to overcome the crisis. The artisans have upgraded their skills to exploit local resources in a creative way while strengthening livelihood. They have learnt new set of skills to produce complete new range of bamboo products.
 
Now artisans are looking forward to get solution for marketing and financing for mass production. Indirana and its adjoining villages are known for traditional bamboo products in the region like baskets and buckets which have demand in all occasions.
 
Artisans’ livelihood in these villages was affected due to lockdown which dragged them in financial crunch as there was no demand for bamboo products in market during lockdown. Meanwhile Jeevika Ashram, Indirana took an initiative with inspiration of a spiritual guru, Ravindra Dubey, ‘Guruji’ of Prayagraj, and inspired artisans to join activities for skill enhancement for new products. This was informed by Ashish Gupta, convenor of the ashram. Artisans using their craftsmanship have developed a new series of value-added products like bamboo Rakhi, jewellery, wrist bands, toys, furniture, comforters, home décor material, etc.