Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 2: Rural women of Reasi district have given new life to the traditional local grass made handicrafts by indigenously innovating new items.
Their unique creations in making the new items from local Babiyan grass and wild palm have ignited widespread admiration and applause.
Anita Devi, an innovative woman farmer remarked that “this innovation to our work has not only filled us with joy but also given our crafts a refreshing and needful perspective”. She expressed that their endeavours have been noticed and appreciated by all. She said that these handicrafts were fading but they have strived to inject a new vitality by making new items from locally available grass and wild palm.
She informed that initially women were making only the Chabadi and Binna and using them at their homes only. But now with the impressive creations rural women of the area are making new items from the local grass and wild palm such as pen stand, dry fruit trays, jewelry box, hot cases, laundry bags, wall clocks, footwears and many other decorative and useful items by applying their innovative skills and knowledge.
Their success story has also been published in the 75 inspirational success stories of Atamnirbhar women published by the Govt of India and they have been applauded at many platforms.
Anita Devi highlighted her commitment towards making the different designs of grass made handicrafts. She informed that these items are time taking and require lot of patience, skill and hardwork. She expressed that they have got outlets to sale their products at different places. She thanked district administration, Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi, Department of Rural Handicrafts, NABARD etc for their support in revival of the faded handicrafts in the district.
Dr Banarsi Lal, Sr Scientist & Head, KVK, Reasi said that these products are eco-friendly, durable and attractive. He also discussed the branding, labeling, packaging and marketing of these handicrafts. Yougal Kishore Sharma, Nodal Officer, JKRLM, Reasi added that many SHGs members are associated with these crafts and they make many useful and decorative items from local grass. He said that it will not only help to empower rural women but also helps to boost their confidence.
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