Baskets of Joy

Villages Audali & Lamakhera are situated on the banks of the river Kailash in block Sitarganj of Udham Singh Nagar district which is home to Tharu tribes. The main occupation of the village is agriculture with wheat and paddy as major crops. Tharu tribes were traditionally skilled in making of munja grass handicraft products like Tokri (basket), etc. This art is mostly practiced by women. Providing marketing to this traditional handicraft was also one of major problem as munja grass product did not have much local demand. The work was also very labour intensive.

Activity

Weaving Cane Handicraft products, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand NABARD through the NGO, Institute of Social Development (ISD) had formed 16 self-help groups as also Farmer Producer Organization in these villages. Since the SHG women were adept at weaving grass, it was decided to introduce cane handicraft to them as cane products have better market demand. The activity also required lesser time to weave than traditional munja grass product. 

Nature of Intervention

An LEDP was sanctioned by NABARD involving a grant assistance of Rs.3.60 lakh. Training was conducted in three batches for 90 SHG women on weaving cane. The marketing of these is being done through melas, exhibitions and setting up stall in local industries. As the trainees are also members of the FPO, the products are sold under banner of FPO. 

The Impact

Income - Rs.30,000/- for the cluster

30 members started the activity in a cluster. The seasonal calendar of agriculture reflected that these SHG members had substantial free time during the year. Most of these SHG members were depending on wage labour during the off season till they were selected under the project. The women are now also thinking of setting up Rural Mart in one of nearest tourist place for a permanent marketing avenue for their products. Tie-ups with outside designers has fetched orders from other areas. They have also been appreciated in local newspapers.

Critical Determinants 

• Selection of appropriate activity
• Marketing platform of FPO

Source : Creating Livelihoods, Changing Lives