Sabai Grass Craft by Teesta Das

Sobai Ghaso

Preface This project was done at the behest of SIDAC as the state government of Odisha wanted a proper study of the Sabai craft and a proper documentation for the same. This craft is fairly new and hence its documentation due. As students studying design we made a conscious effort to understand not only the craft but also various factors affecting the craft, like the climate, topography, demography and the market. Our research also gave us a good insight into the life of the tribals. Spending time, trying to understand them made us more sensitive towards them, we learnt not only of the craft but myriad factors affecting their lives. The research for this particular craft has been a

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fairly tough one, as very little prior information has been written or documented on the matter. It is through rigorous field visits, interview with various people related to the craft. Through these means and means of self analysis we have managed to collect a sizable amount of information. We apologize if we have missed out on certain information regarding the craft and have erred with the linguistics; we in fact encourage the readers of this modest document to help fill in the missing links, and with people familiar with the language and the craft to come forward with their suggestions, alterations and rectifications. The credit for this project though goes to SIDAC for havingtaken the sincere initiative to document crafts that have and are

hence losing out on their potential not only to provide but also the appreciation and respect as a sustainable and beautiful craft. Thanks to this body Orissa can boast of yet another craft sustaining a living in this modern world of machines taking over the power of the hand.

Sobai Ghaso

Contents Introduction Orissa Mayurbhanj Sabai Grass and craft Case study I Case Study II Case Study III Suggestions Appendix Acknowledgements

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7. 9. 13. 19. 24. 31. 38. 46. 51. 53.

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(2.1) Sabai Grass Mat weaving 6

Introduction No crop can compliment a regions climate and soil like the Sabai to Odhisa. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truly natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marvel and the natives have understood this well, appreciated natures abundant gift and have grown with it but today itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a different scenario all together The Sabai, which was once their only means of livelihood, now is an alternative. People have switched to odd jobs like tailoring, making Sal plates, and some have even resorted to

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migrate to towns and cities looking for jobs that pay a little more but compels these poor villagers to compromise on basic necessities like, health, food, hygiene. Taking notice of this negative trend many govt bodies ,NGOS ,have taken the initiative to revive the lost potential, it is with their initiative that the Sabai now not only boasts of its major contribution in Sabai rope business ,but they now stand proud with a myriad range of products ,being sold and

appreciated in the country and abroad. With just a little help, they (especially the women folk) have become independent and are major contributors to the source of income to the family. This initiative by these various bodies is also correcting the negative trend of people migrating to the already crowded towns and cities.

(3.1) 13th century Sun dial at the Sun temple, Konark Sobai Ghaso

Orissa Orissa is one of the few states in India’s tenthousand year old history created out of peace and not from war. The end of the Kalinga Dynasty was marked when the Kalinga King was defeated by King Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya. After centuries of battle, King Ashoka became filled with remorse and sorrow. Saddened by his inner conflicts, he renounced the war by embracing Buddhism, a path of peace and non-violence. King Ashoka, with his new beliefs, ended the war by sending out missionaries rather than soldiers, conquering the people’s hearts and not their villages. By the 7th century, the Kalinga Empire disintegrated and Orissa was decided as the new name of the mystical hilly land and launched the beginning of the Orissan Dynasty. Later, Orissa also became known as the “Land of Magnificent Temples”. These Orissan temples were centres of art, tribal music, handicrafts and the origin of Odissi Dance. Puri, with the Jagannath temple near the sea, and Konark, with the Sun Temple, are visited by

thousands of tourists every year. The Jagannath Temple of Puri, The Sun Temple of Konark, The Lingaraja Temple of Bhubaneswar and the Barabati Fort of Cuttack are important in the archaeological history of India. Enamoured with these temples across its landscape, Orissa hosts a number of temple festivals especially related to Lord Jagannath at Puri including the world famous Rath Yatra (the Chariot Festival). Since Orissa also constitutes of many tribal communities especially in its south-western districts, the festivals also include tribal festivals and fairs during Chaita Parva,Bali Yatra and Makar Sakranti. To showcase the varied folk tradition and cultural heritage of Orissa, and to celebrate the cycle of life with all joys and sorrows, there are several special festivals being organized in Orissa such as the Puri Beach Festival, Konark Festival and Kalinga Festival.

(3.2) Rath yatra, Puri

(3.3) Lingraj temple, Bhubaneshwar Sobai Ghaso

Located

Cuisine

of Orissa is simple and delicious. Bu the pattern of food is same as that seen in the neighbouring states due to the proximity and similar geographical conditions. Rice is the major food crops and the staple food for the people of Orissa. Orissa Pakhala, a dish made of rice, water, and yoghurt, that is fermented overnight, is very popular in summer, particularly in the rural areas,Vegetables which are grown in plenty to form and integral part of the meal in the state. A large number of people practice vegetarianism because of their deep religious nature. . . The kitchen of the famous Jagannath temple in Puri is reputed to be the largest in the world, with a thousand chefs, working around 752 wood-burning clay hearths called chulas, to feed over 10,000 people each day. But a significant proportion of people relish fish and other sea food delicacies like prawns, crabs and lobsters as these are found in plenty in the vast coastline of the state. Oriya food is spicy and has less calorific value as it is cooked with little or no oil. Curd and coconut milk find great use in the diet of the people. People are also very much fond of sweets and many of the recipes are popular all over the country. ‘Pancha-phutana’ a magic mix of cumin, mustard, fennel, fenugreek and kala zeera is used for tempering vegetables and dals. Small cakes, or ‘pithas’ which are both sweet and savoury are extremely popular in Orissa. Chhenapodapitha, the caramelised custard-like dessert is popular not only with the locals but also with the tourists

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(3.4) Bhog, Jagannath temple

on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal, Orissa is the ninth largest state by area in India, and the eleventh largest by population. Oriya is the official and most widely spoken language. Orissa has a coastline of about 480 km long. The narrow, level coastal strip, including the Mahanadi River delta supports the bulk of the population. The interior of the state is mountainous and sparsely populated. There are namely 30 districts in Orissa Angul, Boudh, Bhadrak, Bolangir, Bargarh, Baleswer, Cuttack(Cuttack), Debagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Jharsuguda, Jajapur, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha,Kendujhar, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Kendrapara, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Nayagarh, Puri, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Sundargarh.

Agriculture is the major contributor to Orissa’s economy. About 76% of the total working population is engaged with agriculture and agriculture related industries. The total cropped area in Orissa is 87,46,000 Hectares and out of that 18,79,000 Hectares are under irrigation. The average annual rainfall in Orissa is of 156cms.

(3.5) Pakhala

River Mahanadi is the major river of Orissa and the sixth largest river in India. It is about 857 km Long (494 km In Orissa) and its catchment area spreads over 141,600 km2(65,580sq.km in Orissa).

Orissa is blessed with abundant water resources which are unevenly distributed throughout the length and breadth of the territory. The state is one of the largest producers of rice in India, growing almost one tenth of the total rice production of the country. However, the principal problem that Orissa agriculture faces is the shortage of water in many areas. Flood and low per Hectare production are also agricultural problems of the state. Although, Orissa is home to the Hirakud Dam, the longest earthen dam in the world, it still lacks irrigation facilities in the drought-prone areas creating great obstacles to the agriculture.

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Orissa is also subject to intense cyclones. On 29th of October 1999, a terrifying cyclone, Tropical Cyclone 05B emerged from the Bay of Bengal, with winds up to 300 km/h and 13- 30 feet tidal waves. It thrashed and terrorized the state of Orissa for more than 36 hours. Returning back to the sea, it left behind a trail of untold devastation - the worst in the history of India. It travelled up to 20 km inland.1.2 million hectares of standing cropland were destroyed and an additional 90 million trees were either uprooted or had snapped. A total of 9,803 people officially died from the storm, though it is believed that 15,000 people died. Approximately 275,000 homes were destroyed, leaving 1.67 million people homeless. 5 million farmers were out of work and 700,000 cattle died. The natives still narrate stories of the cyclone as if it were yesterday; such is the damage of cyclone.

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(4.1) Location of Mayurbhanj, Orissa

Mayurbhanj Mayurbhanj presents a panorama of many millennia in the human history. It occupies a unique position being endowed with lush green vegetation, different fauna and rich cultural heritage. It was once ruled by two contemporaneous medieval ruling families named as “Mayurs” and “Bhanjas” in an unbroken continuity for over a thousand years, until the merger with the state of Orissa on 1st January, 1949. Mayurbhanj is a land- locked district with a total geographical area of 10,418 Sq.Km. and is situated in the Northern boundary of the state with district Head quarters at Baripada. It lies between 21*16’ and 22*34’ North latitude and 85*40’ and 87*11’ East longitudes. The district is bounded in the North by Midnapore district of West Benagal, Singbhum district of Jharkhand in the South, Balasore district in the west and by Keonjhar district in the East. In spite of rich natural and human resources it is a poor district, where more than 48 per cent of the rural area people live below the poverty line. Though majority of population are dependent on primary sector, the agriculture is underdeveloped because the district is lacking in irrigation facilities. In agricultural sector there is hardly any marketable surplus production in the district, except for Sabai grass, which is suitable to the climatic and water conditions of Mayurbhanj. Sobai Ghaso

Topography The Central part of the District is covered by a group of hills known as the Similipal range and the remaining portion is covered by undulating plains rising and falling in gentle slopes. Precisely the district may be divided into three distinct natural divisions. The Central hill ranges are the dividing line running due north and south and dividing the plains of the district into two halves Eastern & Western. The Eastern Division, which slopes gently from the foot of the hills towards the sea, is served by a number of hill streams forming an ideal land for cultivation comprising Baripada and Kaptipada sub-divisions. The western division is mainly a plain rising and falling in gentle slopes studded with many rocky mounds and hills. The northern portion of this western Division is very fertile for extensive cultivation comprising Bamanghaty Sub-division and Southern portion is Panchpir Sub-division. The district is 559.31 mt. above the sea level.

Climate Mayurbhanj District experiences a sub-tropical climate. An oppressive hot and humid summer followed by the monsoon between June and November and a severe cold winter characterizes the general climate of Mayurbhanj. May is the hottest month when the mean daily maximum temperature rises upto

47o Celsius. December is usually the coldest month of the year when the mean daily minimum temperature dips to 4o Celsius. This region receives an average rainfall of 1533.2mm.

Soil The soil of the district may be broadly classified into Red soil and Laterite soil. The red soil is further classified in to three subgroups namely: Typical soil, Red loamy soil and Clay - loam soil. Typical red soil is found mostly in the hills of Bamanghaty & Panchpir sub-divisions and is suitable mainly for paddy, millets, Sabai grass and other minor crops. Red loamy soil, which is found near riverbanks, is suitable for early variety paddy, groundnut, til, caster, black mung and kulthi. Laterite soil is found in the hill & plateau region. Two types of laterites namely; Laterite morrum & laterite rocks have so far been identified in the district. These serve no productive value for agricultural purposes.

Tribes Mayurbhanj is said to be a land of tribals. The tribes constitute 57.67% of the total population of this district. Though the population of Mayurbhanj is only 6% of the State’s total population, the tribal population shares a 15.42% of the state’s total Schedule Tribe population. The tribals are popularly known as Adivasis. There are different tribal groups found in the district and they differ in their skill, aptitudes, habits, culture and custom. So the socio-economic panorama of the tribals of the district is extremely complex. Though they are socially, educationally and economically backward they have their own distinctiveness. They are almost dependent on settled cultivation bearing a segment of tribals who draw their sustenance from hunting, collecting minor forest produce and others being landless are engaged as labourers in mines and small industries etc. The Khadia, Mankadia and Lodha are primitive tribals of special mention in the district. The Khadia & Mankadia are nomadic food gatherers and hunters, found in the hilly areas of similipal hill ranges in Panchpir sub-division particularly in Jashipur block areas. On the other hand, the Lodha is a criminal tribe needing special attention for their socio-economic rehabilitation. They are located in Suliapada & Morada blocks of Baripada sub-division.

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Tribal Religion & Culture: The tribes believe in incorporeal being like Ghost & Witch. Like other Adivasis, the Lodha not only do worship ‘Bhagaban’ Sheetala but they believe in witchery and sorcery to protect themselves from the scourge of Ghost, Witch and other incorporeal beings.

Festivals: Ersim (Paddy sowing festival) (4.2) Adivasi natives of Orissa

Language: Their languages can be broadly classified as: 1. Aryan 2. Dravidian 3. Munda or Austric The Bathudi, Bhuyan, Saurti and Lodha belong to Aryan language-speaking community. The SubCastes of this community do not have their own language, so they generally speak sub-language Oriya and it is named as northern sub-language.

The Santals, Mahali, Bhumija and Lodha celebrate this festival on the day of ‘Akshitrutiya’ to worship mother earth with religions fervour and enthusiasm. The Dehuri is the priest. The black cock is offered as sacrifice with nonboiled rice, flower, Vermillion and incense sticks to propitiate mother earth for bumper harvest, prosperity peaceful and disease free life. Dance amidst traditional tribal songs and beating of drums rent the air, which makes the festival quite enjoyable. Harialism: It is an agriculture based festival like Ersim, which is celebrated with pomp and grandeur when the land looks green swaying paddy saplings, the cultivators joy knows no bounds.

Being moved with deep emotion expecting bumper harvest in the future the farmer class worship mother earth with deep devotion and gratitude, songs are sung to invite mother earth with the offerings of sacrifice, non-boiled rice, flower and Vermillion but women do not enjoy facility to participate in it. Harialism: It is an agriculture based festival like Ersim, which is celebrated with pomp and grandeur when the land looks green swaying paddy saplings, the cultivators joy knows no bounds. Being moved with deep emotion expecting bumper harvest in the future the farmer class worship mother earth with deep devotion and gratitude, songs are sung to invite mother earth with the offerings of sacrifice, non-boiled rice, flower and Vermillion but women do not enjoy facility to participate in it. Jamtala Bonga (Jantal Festival): This festival is celebrated when the ear of paddy hangs downward exclusively in the year when crop is destroyed due to scanty rainfall. The fill treated as God is offered male goat as sacrifice with a belief that propitiation of hill God will bring about bumper crops. The male goat so killed is distributed among the villagers. In some pockets this festival is celebrated as ‘Ashadhi’ or ‘Bihuda’ Parva

where the Bhuyans invite Rain God with religious Sanctity for good shower so also the Lodhas for bumper production of ‘Tusaro’. Karama Parva: This festival is celebrated in the month of ‘Ashwina’ or ‘Kartika’ and the auspicious day in fixed by ‘Dehuri’, their priest. A ‘Karam Bough’ is planted on the altar in the middle of village. The village maids offer molasses non-boiled rice, flower and vermillion then story of ‘Karamdharan’, the God of fate is recited and it continues amidst dance, song and beating of drums till morning and then immersion of ‘Karam Bough’ is solemnised with the blessings of God of fate the life becomes enriched with health and this is their sincere belief. Makar Parva:

(4.3) Adivasi lady working for a self help group

The prime festival of Mayurbhanj is celebrated with pomp and grandeur by Adivasis and Non-Adivasis alike in the Oriya month of ‘Pausha’ and English month ‘January’ when the paddy reaping is half done and the mind is free from all lures and anxieties. Irrespective of caste, colour and crew and age all partake in religious gaiety and fervour. This festival lasts for three days and celebration primarily starts two days before ‘Makar Sankranti’. The first day is known as ‘Chauladhua’ or ‘Soaking of Rice’, the second, ‘Bahundi’ and the last, ‘Makar Sankranti’ on which people of all ages all go for a bath early in the morning and the children set fire (4.4) Adivasi house, Badsole

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(4.5) Native home of Mayurbhanj Sobai Ghaso

near water reservoir. It is told as ‘Kumbha’. In every household ‘Makar Chaula’ and delicious cakes are prepared. The deity is worshipped. Thisfestival is most enjoyed amidst mutton curry, palatable cakes, country liquor ‘Handia’ and boisterous music, dance and drums. The Makar fair is held at Shantibriksha in the Sub-Division of Kaptipada, Ranibandha of Bamanghaty, Kesharikund of Panchpir, Ramtirtha of Jashipur and Domuhani near Khiching, which attract a huge crowd. For the occasion of Makar a special ‘Monkey Dance’ named as ‘Galienage’ is performed. The tribal folks adorn their bodies and go door to door asking for paddy, rice and cakes, which becomes quite enjoyable.

(4.9) Storage(indoor), Adivasi house

(4.7) Household item:broom

Demography There are 3945 villages in Mayurbhanj with a total population of 22, 21,782(according to the 2001 census).The literacy rate of the region is 52.43% which is around 9 % lower than the state’s.

(4.10) Exterior, Adivasi house

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(4.8) Storage, Adivasi house

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(5.1) Sabai Grass 18

Sabai Grass (Eulaliopsis binata)

Sabai Grass is a perennial grass from the Terai regions of the Himalayas growing in the forests of the Mayurbhanj District. Traditionally, the grass collected by the local tribal from the forests is being used for making ropes. Realising the economic importance of the grass and its utility in soil binding, Soil Conservation Department has promoted its cultivation on Government Wastelands, farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lands and village commons. It is estimated that about 21,635 hectares of land is under Sabai grass cultivation in the district. Sabai grass is practically considered to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Money Plantâ&#x20AC;? which ensures cash receipt throughout the year. The industry is associated with various activities of raising production of grass and processing of consumer goods such as mats, carpets, sofa sets, wall hangings and other sophisticated fashionable articles. The Sabai grass industry has tremendous export potential. Artistic designing Sabai products are very popular in foreign countries which earn precious foreign exchange for the country. The industry helps in the growth of entrepreneurship amongst the villagers. This ensures economic development through modernization and innovation of the industrial culture in rural areas. Commercial cultivation of Sabai grass is promoted in western cities of Orissa, which are tribal- dominated and with hilly terrain.

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These districts, alternative land use is limited to subsistence agriculture and soil conservation is promoted, besides encouraging Sabai Grass cultivation and ropemaking to promote economic activity among the tribes. As this activity provides income on a regular basis, the pressure on forests for the fuel wood collection could be reduced by employing tribals in this regular income- generating activity. Sabai Grass once planted can give yield for about 10 years.

(5.2) Sabai Grass field, Badsole The first harvest is expected after 8-9 months of planting. However, commercial harvest starts from second year, only. 2-3 harvests per year are possible. Peak seasons of production are as follows: August- September : 30% yield December- January

50% yield

May- June

20% yield

Market Channels and Practices Individuals with their own Sabai cultivation sell the grass to local traders/ rope makers, leaving their own requirement of grass with them. Traders stock the grass purchased in the season and sell to rope- makers either on credit or on cash payment or buy back- of- rope basis. To a major extent, grass is also transacted in the village weekly markets( haats) or Betnoti and Baripada weekly market. People who make decorative items from Sabai grass also purchase from haats. The bulk buyers of grass, namely M/s Emami Paper Mills, Balasore, collect grass in bulk from weekly haats through their agents.

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The Origin of Sabai Grass (Ischaemum Angustifolium)

Once upon a time there were six brothers who lived with their sister. The brothers used to spend their days in the jungle hunting while the sister looked after the house and cooked the dinner until their return. One day while the brothers were hunting the girl went to cut herbs to cook with the dinner .While she was doing so she cut her finger accidentally and some drops of blood fell on the herbs, which were put in the pot. When the brothers came home to dinner they noticed how sweet the food was and enquired about the reason. The scared girl told her brothers that it must be because some drops of her own blood that had fallen into it. Then the brothers took counsel together and agreed that if a few drops of her blood were so sweet, then she must be very nice to eat. So they agreed to murder her and eat her. Although the youngest brother named Lita did not dare to oppose his elders, he was sorry for the decision. The next day when the brothers came from the jungle they brought a beautiful flower of seven colours and gave it to their sister. She was delighted to receive it. She had never seen such a beautiful flower before and wanted to know where it grew and whether there were others like it. They told her that if she would come with them they would take her to the tree on which the flowers grew and she could pick as many as she liked. So the next morning, she gladly went with them and they took her to the tree with the seven- coloured flowers. She climbed the tree to pick the

flowers and whevn she was up in the tree they shot arrows at her to kill her. Although they shot many arrows at her, they could not kill her. Then they compelled Lita to shoot and he with his first arrow killed his sister. The brothers then, cut the body up and sent Lita to fetch some water to cook it. Lita went to the well and was so filled with sorrow that he sat down and wept. As he wept a large frog came to the surface of the water and asked him what was the matter was. He poured out his sorrow about how he had been made to kill his sister and that now they were going to cook her flesh. The frog comforted him and gave him a large rohu fish. Lita took this back and when his brothers told him to cook the food; he hid the pieces of his sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body and cooked the rohu fish. The brothers ate this thinking that it was their sister. Then they went on into the jungle hunting. After going a short way Lita said that he had forgotten to recover his arrow and that he must go back and fetch it. He went back to the place, and took his sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body and buried it. He later built a hut near, spent the days in weeping over the grave. After he had spent some time thus the girl appeared alive out of the ground. Lita was overjoyed and he and his sister remained happily in the jungle. One day a Raja hunting in the jungle passed that way and seeing the girl fell in love with her and took her away and married her at once. He also took Lita with him and made him ruler of half the kingdom.

In honour of his marriage the Raja resolved to construct an enormous tank: and people came from far and near to work at it. Among others came Litaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five elder brothers, who had fallen into great poverty, owing to their wickedness. When their sister saw them she forgave them and bestowed food and clothing on them. However, they were so ashamed and repentant that they could only kneel on the ground and beat the earth with their hands. As they continued to do so the earth opened and swallowed them up. Only their hair stuck out of the ground and that became Sabai grass, and this was the origin of all the Sabai grass which exists.

Sabai grass products: Paper industry Sabai rope was initially consumed by the paper industry for tying bamboo bundles at the time of harvest from the forests but in time it found wider acceptance with paper industry as it was pulpable and hence the bamboo bundles as such could be fed into the chipper along with the Sabai rope, in this way the cost of rope is partially recovered from the pulp it contributes. Nowadays rough grades of the grass are used in paper mills as an additional raw material . It is estimated that about 30-35% of the demand for the rope comes this sector. Major end-users are: M/s J. K. Corps, Rayagada, Orissa Orient papermills, Sambalpur, Orissa BILT, Chowdwar, Jaypur, Orissa A.P. Paper Mills, AP ITC Bhadrachalam Paper Mills, AP The Emami Paper Mills, Balasore

Decorative and Utility items The Sabai grass was traditionally used to weave cots(charpai),stools (machi), toy of birds and animals, and floor mats(paa poch).Only recently more decorative ,and lifestyle products such as wall Hangings with the Konark Wheel as a central motif coasters ,bottle covers ,baskets, vanity bags ,and table mats are made by certain villages under the guidance of govt organisations and NGO. Sobai Ghaso

(5.3) Sabai Grass decoratives

Ropemaking: The Sabai rope business is what the Sabai grass is popularly known for. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an age old practice hence the people of mayurbhanj excel in it. Each year mayurbhanj produces more than >>>>>>kgs of Sabai rope. Out of which a good share is used in its original state ,and with the rest various kinds of products are made e.g.: cots, furniture ,stools etc.

Super fine Fine Rough

Two Ply Four Ply 6-8 Ply

(1+1) (2+2) (3+3, 4+4)

Ropemaking is a household activity where the whole family is involved, including the women and the children. It is very common to see a woman who is involved in making the rope is also attending to her children and cooking food at the same time. This indicates the kind of skill that they have acquired and that this had become like an involuntary activity. According to the grade of the rope to be made 2-6 blades of grass are twisted with hand followed by further twisting a locally made twister. After sufficient quantity of rope is twisted and dried, they are polished by rubbing against tree trunks or branches and bundled as per the standard weight (approximately 1 kg). Twenty such bundles are tied together in a 20 kg bundle. The grass is graded on the basis of length and colour. Usually long and mature grass is used for rope-making and short, over-maturing grass goes for paper making .Sabai rope is graded according to thickness which ultimately depends on the ply number( number of grass strings used in rope-making). Common grades of commerce include: (5.4) Sabai Grass Bundles Sobai Ghaso

(5.5) Ropemaking 22

Furniture The Sabai rope is also used to weave the body of the furniture, made by convicts in the central jail of Baripada. Here they make sofa sets which include the table, the twin chairs and the central couch. One Sofa set can be woven by two people in 10 days. In some places, labour charges are paid on piece basis and average, Rs. 450 is paid per set. If the weavers themselves sell the set, the labour and profit per day comes to Rs. 32.50. Items Quantity Size Amount Rope (Fine Quality) 22 12 264 Cane 150 ft 2 per ft 300 Frame making 150 Miscellaneous 36 Total 750 Sale price 1400 Profit & Labour 650

Prospects and Problems in Marketing

product because of the more space occupied compared to the price. Thus, the market is limited to the exhibitions and local use only.

There is a ready market for rope in the local haats and the demand from the end-users like paper mills and cot-makers is quite high for the sale of the Sabai rope produced in the district. According to traders the demand for the Sabai rope is increasing every year and they are not in a position to meet the entire demand and hence the supply needs to be enhanced. As regarding the use of Sabai grass in Paper-making, presently, only one paper namely Emami Paper Mills, Balasore, purchases grass. A handmade paper- making unit has been set up at Danthamahala, Baripada block with the financial assistance from KVIB with primary objective of making handmade paper from Sabai Grass. In addition to the usual machinery like pulp beater-cum-washing drum, hydraulic press, calendering unit paper-cutting machine, a digester is needed for pulping Sabai Grass. The pulp recovery is only 35-40% whereas from hosiery waste (a common raw material), it is 95%. Hence, the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience is that Sabai Grass is not an economical raw material for handmade paper unit.

(5.7) Storage space in godowns

Sofa sets made of Sabai grass are very attractive and elegant besides being durable if protected from damp conditions. However, the trade in sofa is limited by high transportation cost. It is also a highvolume, low value product. There is also a lot of competition from other products in the market.

(5.6) Furniture made from Sabi Rope Sobai Ghaso

Even the Handicrafts corporation is not able to provide counter/godown space for the sale of this

(5.8) Array of products and decoratives 23

Case Study I Location: Betnoti village

(6.1) District map of Mayurbhanj Betnoti is a small village which is 40 km from Baripada, the district headquarter of Mayurbhanj District. The main occupation of the villagers is agriculture and making disposable plates from sal patra (sal leaves). While other occupations are taken up by the men, the women of the village engage themselves in making handicrafts from sabai grass. These women are members of self help groups. Development Agency for Social Improvement a non government organization dedicated towards the social empowerment of women, help by training these women in the particular craft. An eligible member from each group is chosen and trained for a duration of one month and is taught about the different techniques and methods of using the material. Sobai Ghaso

These women become heads of self help groups and take up the responsibility of managing and guiding the group. Once they have learnt the method of working with this material, they make products at their disposal and give the products to the head of the group for sale. The money received from exhibitions and local markets is then distributed among the members. Of these self help groups, one is Krishna handicraft forum an active group with 13 members.

(6.2) Betnoti village 24

women in the community. In totality there are 13 people working together as a cottage industry unit called Krishna Handicraft Forum. They participate in trade shows and handicraft exhibitions in the state and around the country.

Cost of product: The price ranges from Rs. 10 to 150

Hereditary Skills: None Aspiration: At present she is happy but she hopes to do better in life, and feels her efforts will bear fruit in the future.

Process and Technique:

Her definition: It is her only means of livelihood as compared to the other women in the village who do it as a hobby or as a source of extra income. Types of products made: Household products: Tea coasters, baskets, trays, pen stands, containers, door mats (paa poch), bag.

Specific product description:

(6.3) Craftswoman, Manjulata Name: Manjulata Singh Age: 38 years Family: 5 members (self, two sons and two daughters) Language: Oriya Educational Background: 9th standard pass Experience: 2 years (Since Sept. 2007) In September 2007 UNIDO introduced a new range of Sabai Craft products to Manjulata Singh. She was trained in Delhi for a period of one months, who then involved the other Sobai Ghaso

Function and use of the product: These products are not used by local people but are used by people in other cities.

Study of the craft: DIC helps to sell in state, Utkalika outside state.

Tea coasters and mats: Step I: A few strands of Sabai grass are tied at one end with a jute thread. Step II: Which are then coiled till a radius of 5cms. Step III: The coils are tied radially with jute thread to form a pattern. Step IV: The outer most circle is closely wound with jute thread to end the coil. Product variation: These mats and coasters vary in size and the colour of the thread used. Some mats were wound entirely in coloured jute thread showing no trace of the Sabai underneath. (Process pictures on next page)

Materials used: Sabai grass, jute ropes, waste plastic wrappers. Processes and techniques used: Stitching, knotting, coiling, and twisting. Traditional design: The designs used by the group are all taught and passed on from UNIDO. Hence the traditional practice has never taken place here at all. 25

Process mapping : tea coasters

(6.5) Step 3: Coiling to increase the diameter.

(6.3) Step 1:Manually twisting the grass

(6.4) Step 2: Making coils and tying with jute thread Sobai Ghaso

(6.6) Step 4: Final Stitching in the end of coil

(6.7) Coasters 26

Baskets and Boxes:

Variety in product range: These baskets vary in the colour of the thread used to bind them and in some baskets the Sabai grass is completely concealed in colourful waste plastic wrappers available from the local tea stalls.

(6.9) Waste wrappers used to cover Sabai Grass

(6.9) Boxes

(6.8) Boxes Step 1: Few strands of semi dried Sabai grass are neatly held together, which are then coiled in a spiral fashion and tied with jute thread. Step 2: Coiling is continued. Each coil is neatly tied with the jute thread creating a radial pattern. Step 3: It is then complimented with a handle or a lid. Step 4: The top rim of the baskets and the edge of the lids are tied closely with jute thread holding the structure in place.

(6.10) Array of utility products (6.8) Basket tray

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Alternative occupations/hobbies: Men folk in these villages make a living out of the cultivation of Sabai grass, making ropes from it and making plates out of sal leaves. The women folk in turn add to the household income by making products out of the locally available Sabai grass. They also make decorative playful items like foldable houses with coconut coir. The women in the village also engage themselves in making colourful dolls out of wool. Some, did cross stitch with animal patterns in colourful wool.

(6.11) Press moudling leaves

(6.13) Woollen doll made by the women

(6.14) Cross stitching done as a hobby

(6.12) Sal leaf plate Sobai Ghaso

Socio-economic: Dress: The women wore cotton sarees while the older women in the village were dressed in sarees without blouses. Food: The staple diet of the villagers was a simple dish of curd rice with occasional vegetables and meat. Religion: She is Hindu by religion. Income: Rs 600 per month Personal assets: She owns a small house in the village. Busy season: The group gets busy when there is a demand from NGOs for a certain exhibition. Employment: She works with the support of Government and non government organisations. Membership of any group: Krishna Handicraft forum Aspects of learning related to the craft: According to the craftsperson since this is not a hereditary craft, she finds it new and exciting as there is much scope to the craft and there is always a new experience and learning. She is proud to be the first generation to have learnt the craft.

Transmission of skills, aspirations and world view: Manjulata finds it interesting and intriguing to visit places she would otherwise never get to visit, each exhibition she participates in she eagerly observes other stalls with similar crafts and tries to incorporate her learning into the Sabai craft. She’s also able to observe and understand her client by conversing with them and sometimes even offering to do a little demonstration. The relation Manjulata shares with her group and the villagers is like that of a close relative, a helpful friend, She is a sort of inspiration to her colleagues and young girls as although a widow she is fully independent, supporting not only herself but her two daughters. The organisation I s open to suggestions and hence it makes it all the more exciting for Manjulata and her colleagues to suggest fresh ideas and have them incorporated and appreciated nationwide.

Environmental Aspects Recycling of material/object: Waste wafer packets are bought at a cheap rate and are reused by combining them with Sabai grass to make baskets.

(6.15) Sabai Grass stitching pattern

Environment Craftsperson’s house, work place: Manjulata’s house was a small humble semi pucca house ,comprised of a single room for herself and her four children. The village is connected by state highways. There are regular bus services available to commute to nearby towns and other villagers. Telecommunication facilities are also available in the village.

(6.16) Women working together Sobai Ghaso

Technology:

Skill

Definition of manufacturing process: Their manufacturing process is a fully manual one.

Proficiency: This particular group is very skilled, their products reflect superior of craftsmanship and understanding of the material .Their proficiency in the craft is reflected in the excellent finish of the products ,the uniformity, their symmetry and the consistency of the form from start to finish.

Any changes/modifications made: not many years have passes since its introduction and hence there has been no change . Energy Sources used: in making these products no external energy is used .Every product is made using s needle ,held together in place with jute threads.

Awards/recognition with examples: The award and certificates received by the craftsperson are: Certificate of appreciation from Yuva Krita Handicrafts Fair during the All India Handicraft Fair, Jan 08-12, 2010 Certificate of participation from Tata Steel Rural development society held at Jamadoba, 18th-24th October, 2008 Certificate of participation in Pallishree Mela by ORMAS, 11th-16th April, 2010.

(6.18) Product Range

Craftsmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concept of quality: The products made by Manjulata and her group show a high level of skill and are of very good quality. Training received/Workshop attended: She was trained for a month by DASI and DIC for a period of one month. (6.17) Needle called damfono is used

New motifs, colours, materials and layouts: New materials such as waste plastics and dyed jute thread are now being used. Future of the craft: This is a fairly new craft and hence it scope for expansion and implementation is immense, (6.19) Reusing Wrapper papers

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Case Study II Location: Civil Jail, Baripada

Environment: The craftsmen are convicts and hence they work within the jail premises. They work in a multipurpose open ground enclosed by cells. The ground serves as a common work place for all the convicts. They perform all their activities. Skill: These convicts do not have a background in the craft. They learn from senior convicts who have in time perfected this craft, and are also referred to as master craftsmen. Incentives: Since the convicts do not get paid for the work they do, they in turn are rewarded with a reduced sentence and a small sum of money after they are released from the jail. Type of products: Furniture, Door mats, Sabai rope.

(7.1) Sofaset being made by jail convicts

Materials used: There are mainly two materials used namely bamboo for the frame work and Sabai rope as a surface material. The female convicts sitting in their corridors on a stool made of Sabai grass were manually twisting the semi wet Sabai grass into the first stage of the Sabai ropes which were then twisted further with the help of a handmade machine.

The machine is made up of the rim of a cycle wheel which is held by an internal wooden frame with a pivot in the centre allowing it to rotate freely. This wheel in the centre is connected to two hubs on both sides by a rubber belt. Two hook ended needles are attached to the centre of the two small wheels respectively. Both ends of the manually twisted ropes are tied to each needle. There is a handle provided at the centre of the big wheel. One rotation of the big wheel turns the smaller wheels by approximately 48 times. The difference in the size of the wheels and their placement allows for the manually twisted Sabai ropes to be tightened further. This step not only speeds up the process but also delivers a finer finish. These finished ropes are bundled up and put aside to make products. The male convicts make a variety of furniture and products. They make sofas, chairs and tables. These furniture items are made out of hill bamboo. According to the shape and requirements of the furniture the bamboo is soaked, heated and bent.*

Product description: Furniture: The furniture made by the convicts are of a limited range, which include sofa sets and tables. The sofa sets are bulky and heavy. The furniture they make has a bamboo frame which is covered completely in neatly woven Sabai rope which is always used in its natural state.

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(7.2) Sabai seating made by the women

(7.3) Tying the bamboo frame together to make the main structure of the furniture 31

The prepared ropes are firmly tied around the frame using various tools, some indigenous and some procured from the local market*.

Making the 8-braid knot

(7.5) Braiding the rope to make it thicker. A man stands between two trees approximately 30 feet apart. The rope is tied to one tree, taken around the other one and tied back to the first tree. A man stands between the two ropes and with a third rope ties the knot. The rope is taken alternatively up and down the two parallel running ropes on either sides of the rope maker, who also has to (7.4) Charkha used to twist the Sabai Grass

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wear a â&#x20AC;&#x153;gamchaâ&#x20AC;? around his waist to prevent his body part from getting scratched. The prepared, thicker rope is used to make mats with a typical pinch-coil method flower in the center, or the form imitation of the Konark templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sun dials and pinched patterns for the borders. The mats produced are of 32

platforms. The volume for production is usually as per the demand ,as there is less storage space .The few extra products made by the these craftsmen are put up for sale in the participating exhibitions . ) This craft is similar to any other craft in a rope form, which includes jute ropes, coir ropes, and plastics ropes. What makes this grass stand apart from other.

What makes this grass stand apart from other ropes is probably the ease in making the rope as it made manually, in a very simple fashion. The limitations of this particular craft is that like any other natural material it is subjected to wear and tear and in time it changes its colour from green to yellow and finally to a brownish shade. This change though takes place in a considerably long duration of five years.

(7.6) Inspired by the wheel of the Konark temple various sizes. The craftsmen claimed that the products produced last for many years except that the knots become loose and the colour of the grass becomes dark over time. It absorbs moisture when in contact with it, however can be cleaned by putting out in the sun. The craftsmen in this case, since being a convict does not get to meet and interact with their customers. There is a very poor understanding of the section of the society they are catering to, their change in the market trend, hence their products havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t evolved, thus reducing their market horizon. The crafts produced by them lacks proper marketing, it is only by word of mouth that local people are made aware and on placing an order the sofas are made and supplied to the customers. The other method of selling is through state organized fairs and exhibitions where. The bulkiness of their products and their limited range proves a hindrance to exhibiting their products in national and international Sobai Ghaso

(7.7) Double braid decorative item

(7.8) Bamboo tool used to tighten the knotting

(7.9) Arch knotting on a furniture piece

(7.10) Tools used in the Civil Jail, Baripada 33

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(7.11) Women convicts in the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cell 34

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(7.12) External weaving on the initial weaving over the framework 35

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(7.13) Hooked tool to open knots 36

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(7.14) Internal weaving over the framework 37

Case Study III Location: Badsole village

(8.1) District map of Mayurbhanj With Baripada as our central location, we travelled to the small adivasi village of Badsole. Deep seated in the hinterlands of the district, we drove into the Naxal area with the ORMAS guides. ORMAS is a Non Governmental Organisation closely working with the upliftment of the rural producers, artisans, craftspersons and the women in this area. This small village houses 120 families, and unfortunately most of which lie below the poverty line. However, the village is known for the traditional practice of Sabai Grass cultivation and its rope-making. The ropes made are on one hand credited to be of export quality, but on the other, the income generated from Sobai Ghaso

them has been meager. Only recently have they started taking up other occupations like animal husbandry and poultry farming to earn their living. Hence, Orissa Rural Marketing Society (ORMAS) is dedicated to the sustenance of these people. In the year 2003, the Rural Development Action Cell (RDAC) of ORMAS had helped set up Self Help Groups (SHGs), of which one is ‘Maa Binapani Women’s Self Help Group’. These women have been involved in making Sabai ropes and a few other household products from the ropes like charpoys etc. ORMAS recognized the potential of this grass and saw the scope for the people to make other products that could be catered for sale to an urban mass. Then onwards, they provided these women with new ideas that gave the craftspeople an access to new markets and in return tried to increase their source of income.

(8.2) The hinterlands of Orissa, Badosle village 38

Craftpersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s profile Personal Name: Taramani Si Age: 37 years Family: Husband, Two daughters and one son. Language: Oriya Educational Background: Standard 9th pass Experience: 7 years experience Aspirations: She sees potential in the craft and hopes to benefit her family and her own living conditions further.

running running all over. Food: Pakhal Bhaath, lamb and chicken meat. Religion: Hindu Income: Joint. Total income is divided among the group. Personal assets: Land, house, cattle. Busy Season: During the festivals like Makar Sankranti, Gramshri Mela and Pallashri Mela. Membership of group: She is part of her SHG, called Bina Paani SHG, a mission Shakti (RDAC) initiative in their locality. Aspects of learning related to craft: She was introduced to the design scenario by ORMAS when they handed a guide book to their group. There onwards, she has been practicing the same and has also been trying to modify whatever little that she can.

Chaul Pahi, charpoys, bags, toys, temples, and animals. Specific Product description: Inspiration got from nature, books. Food colours used to dye mats and baskets. Materials Used: Sabai grass, and jute ropes. Process and techniques: Weaving, stitching, knotting, coiling, twisting. Traditional Design: The machine used to twist the ropes is essentially a traditional practise of mechanically hand twisted ropes further. The rectangular floor mat alternated with green or pink dyed Sabai grass, is a fairly old and popular mat design.

Transmission of skills: Passed on from generation to generation

(8.3) Craftswoman Taramani Si Socio-economic

Examples of other creative expressions: Jhutti (Rangoli on the walls and the floors. The liquid is made of rice)

Database of Products Dress: Women of the same Self Help Group wear similar white cotton saris with a red bor- Types of products made: Household products der and a peculiar red diamond pattern like baskets, pen stands, vases, paa poch, Machi, Sobai Ghaso

(8.4) Craftswoman weaving

Marketing: Local and regional markets. It is sold on retail and wholesale basis. Cultural aspects Festivals celebrated: makar sankranti, gramshri mela, pallapshri mela, Diwali and Durga pooja. Skill: The craftswomen are highly skilled. Being women, their strength cannot be compared to that of the men in the Baripada jail. Hence, the work expectations is also different. These women are skilled to make ropes and small household utility items only. Awards/Recognition: Best SHG 2009 and an award for the most innovative products during Gramshree Mela, given to the by by mission shakti, an initiative by ORMAS

Environment Craftsperson’s house, work place: The craftspeople live in mud houses with terracotta tiled roofs. Taramani’s house was a Kucha house made from locally available materials like rocks, mud, cow dung, rice husk and the roof is made with a bamboo structure and covered with the remnants from the rice crop. Bird’s eye view of the village: The village is located off the main highway, from where a kachha, muddy pathway leads into the village. The houses face each other and some are even parallel. Infrastructure: A very broken road from the highway leads into the village and eventually breaks into a muddy pathway leading us through the village. There are very small shops with articles of basic necessities.

Environmental Aspects Craft and region and biodiversity: The village is located in the hinterlands, where they are surrounded by forests and vast fields. The craft has grown in this area soully because of the fact that this area is the heart of Sabai cultivation.The villagers in this area depend a lot on the output of the Sabai per year. Awareness of Eco-friendly practices: The craftspersons might not be consciously aware of Eco-friendly practices in general, however, they are subconsciously practicing it. Their products is made of 100% natural materials. The binding strings, for the coiled products for instance, are also made of Sabai grass, while other practioners of the craft have also diverted to plastic. Secondly, this craft is not at all dependent on electrical energy resources. From the start till the end of the Sabai Product production, the craftspersons are totally dependent on either mechanical output or their own human potential. Recycling of material/object: The idea of recycling materials like plastic can be suggested to them. At present, they work completely on natural resources

(8.5) Awards received by the Self Help group Sobai Ghaso

(8.6) Village exteriors 40

Processes and techniques Mats

Price: These door mats vary in sizes from a small door mat sized 1x1.5 feet to 1x2 feet. The prior being priced at Rs.25 and the latter at Rs.35. Colour variations: These mats come in two basic colours pink and green and in their natural colour. Dying Process: The Sabai rope is dyed in the required colour by the craftsmen using artificial dyes. Duration: The time taken to make a mat is about 2-3 hours

(8.7) Taramani Weaving a traditional Sabai mat Step 1: A rectangular wooden frame 2 feet X 1 foot is nailed with nails spaced at an interval of 1 inch In both the axes. Step 2: The Sabai rope is then wound around the nails alternating the direction, first in the xaxis then in the y-axis. Step 3: It is at the intersection that a knot is tied holding the rope in place thus giving us the first stage the mat. These knot are usually in a different colour making them stand out and giving the mat a peculiar characteristic. Step 4: The edges are then locked with continuous knots giving the mat a complete look and avoiding risks of the mat loosening from the edges. Step 5: The mat is then pulled out from the frame ready for use and sale. Sobai Ghaso

(8.8) Twisting the rope

(8.9) Cross weaving

Baskets: Step 1: Few strands of semi dried Sabai grass are neatly held together, which are then coiled in a spiral fashion, stitched together with long lengths of Sabai grass using a special needle with a big eye called damfono. Step 2: Coiling is continued till it takes the shape of a basket. Step 3: It is then complimented with a handle or a pattern from the grass itself at intervals between the spirals. Step 4: Few baskets are accompanied with a lid more decorative than functional which has a similar pattern to that of the basket. Product Variations: Various attempts have been made by the craftsmen to combine various materials to increase their aesthetic value and fortifying it.

(8.9) 100% Sabai Basket

Prices: The prices of the baskets ranged from Rs. 40-80. They were not of standard sizes and were not uniform.

(8.10) Decorative temple cum basket Sobai Ghaso

Flower vases

Prices: The prices of the vases vary from Rs.30-70 according to their size and detail.

(8.11) Decorative flower vase

(8.12) Flower vases

Step 1: Few strands of semi dried Sabai grass are neatly held together, which are then coiled in a spiral fashion, stitched together with long lengths of Sabai grass using a special needle with a big eye called damfono. Step 2: Coiling is continued till it takes the shape of a vase with a narrow neck. Step 3: After narrowing the neck, a pattern is created at the mouth of the vase that resembles a flower. Product variations: These vases are again not of standard sizes, hence each vase is unique in its own way and are sometimes personalised by the craftsmen with a dash of colour painted on the vase.

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(8.13) Sabai grass product range at Badsole

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(8.14) Sabai grass baskets

Suggestions

(9.1) Side sachel / slingbags

(9.5) Basket with in-situ handle Sobai Ghaso

(9.2) Dual coloured baskets

(9.3) Dual coloured baskets

(9.6) Basket with cloth lining for dinning table

(9.4) Blinds

(9.7) Basket with locally available embelishments 46

(9.8) Containers with handles

(9.10) Sabai grass table with a bamboo frame Sobai Ghaso

(9.9) Slippers

(9.11) Sabai grass combined with leather, for purses and bags

(9.12) Container

(9.13) Sabai grass Chandelier

(9.15) Laundry basket Sobai Ghaso

(9.14) Sabai grass shelf

(9.16) Chair seat 48

(9.17) Container lids (9.18) Container

(9.19)Hanging Dinner table lamp Sobai Ghaso

(9.20)Linen Basket

(9.21)Laundry basket 49

(9.24)Hanging lamps

(9.22) Book stand Sobai Ghaso

(9.23) Side-table lamp 50

Appendix ORMAS An autonomous body ORMAS was constituted under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, in the year 1991, dedicated to moving rural producers and artisans from the poverty line, to the realms of plenty. Ever since its inception, ORMAS (Orissa Rural Development and Marketing Society), under the Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Orissa, has been facilitating sustainable livelihoods for rural producers, under different poverty alleviation programmes. In the process, providing training, capacity building, value addition, adopting key activity approach and adopting clusters, bringing economic hope and promise to rural Orissa and India. In order to achieve the objectives, ORMAS involves itself in activities such as: Collaborations with like-minded organisations, forming and promoting SHGs, developing project proposals on the key activities of the districts, facilitating the training on skill development, exposure visits and workshops for the people as per the activities, demonstrating and disseminating appropriate technologies, promoting the products of the rural producer groups and providing market linkages for the district producer groups. Sobai Ghaso

ORMAS also provides opportunities to the rural producers to sell their products in urban markets, to interact amongst themselves so as to learn from each other and to sensitise urban buyers about rural products ORMAS regularly implementing State & National level exhibitions throughout the state during important events / gathering. Basically ORMAS organises three types of exhibitions such as SARAS, Gramshree Mela & Pallishree Mela.

UNIDO UNIDO Regional Office for South Asia covering 7 countries – India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan – acts as a focal point to mobilize knowledge, information, skills and technology to promote competitive industry, productive employment and a sound environment by applying best practices and approaches to common problems of the region. The core elements of UNIDO’s delivery of technical cooperation services in the South Asia region are • to focus its activities in harmony with nation al policy priorities and development strategies; • to build strong and long term partnerships with donors; • to increase UNIDO’ visibility and image in the region; and • to focus its assistance in a manner that addresses international development goals, especially the UN Millennium Development Goals of reducing poverty and promoting implementation of national strategies for sustainable development.

India A new Country Programme of Cooperation between India and UNIDO for the period 2008-2012 was signed in Vienna on May 16, 2008. The US $ 42 million five-year programme focuses on: 1.environment-friendly technologies for raising the competitiveness and sustainable development of industry; 2.Social capital and promotion of small and medium enterprises (SME) clusters; and 3.South-South cooperation. UNIDO is currently executing a portfolio of 30 projects in India – 26 India-bound and 4 of a global nature, the latter including the UNIDO Centre for South-South Industrial Cooperation ( UCSSIC), International Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technology (ICAMT), Technology Diffusion and Support Programme for Small Scale Industries (TDSP) and the Regional Network on Pesticides – Neem based – for Asia and the Pacific (RENPAP). The total value of the ongoing projects is US $ 30 million. UNIDO Representation: The Regional Office in New Delhi (India) covering seven South Asian countries, headed by the Representative and Regional Director.

DASI (Development Agency for Social • Training cum production of above materials and subject [Handicraft] Improvement) Dasi is a multidisciplinary group of women working in the field of development. Their special interest is in the area of tribes and their development. DASI started on 29th June 1992 and now works mainly in Mayurbhanj, Orissa where 85% of the population is tribal. These tribal people are residents of the world famous Similipal forest range.

• New Design of furniture and utility goods from NFP, Product development. • Encouraging Crafts person. • Skill up gradation • Marketing support on handicraft • Preparation of audio-visual documents on Handicraft. • Welfare & Health Activities and Group Insurance of Craft persons.

“Dasi” undertook to help them by providing training in handicraft with the naturally available materials like Jute, Sabai grass and Bamboo. Intricately plaited Sabai grass and Jute string handicrafts are accepted the world over. Terracotta, dead wood and stone-carved statues are also crafted. Original designs in metal are also crafted. With no profit - “dasi” endeavors to bring biodegradable, eco-friendly useful utility handicraft goods made by the tribal people to the use and knowledge of the world. “Dasi” has a training cum production centre located at Madhuban, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Orissa that is run by tribal people. Some of their activities are: • R & D on handicrafts especially on Jute, Bamboo, Sabai, Cane, Brass, Coconut shell, Golden grass, handmade paper and Palm leaf.

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Acknowledgements This enriching experience wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been possible without the initiative of the state institute for the development of art and crafts. Under the able guidance of Mr. Paresh Chatterjee and Mr. Bhavin Kothari we have been able to access the necessary information without much difficulty. We also appreciate the extended help offered by Mr. Paresh Chatterjee for our lodging at various places visited during our field study.

We appreciate the spontaneous help offered by many on our journey, to name a few Mr. Bijay Kumar Behra, Secretary RDAC, Mr. Mohanti, the director of DIC Baripada, Mr. Sahu, an official from the forensic department who without hesitation, offered their precious time and valuable inputs. We would like to thank NGOs like DASI for co-operating and sharing their insights on the matter. We would also like to thank Sr. Superintendent Dharanidhar Das of the Baripada central Jail.

We are immensely grateful to the crafts persons and their families who were very supportive and patient and embraced us as family.

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