Hatadihi: Despite the state government’s tall claims about promoting cottage industries, Keonjhar artisans engaged in weaving jute mats have been gradually losing their traditional occupation.
More than 600 skilled artisans of Mareigaon village under Hatadihi block of the Keonjhar district have been engaged in the traditional occupation for over 40 years. All members of a house-hold, including women and children, take part in weaving various designs of jute mats.
For most families in the village, this is the only source of earning for their livelihood. First of all, they prepare jute threads out of fibre in a very traditional method, and weave beautiful designs of jute mats out of it. Over the years, they have created their identity by adopting the traditional occupation.
Jute products woven in the region include floor mats, bed mats, doormats, jute swings (dola), designer carpets, vanity bags and drawing room pattis among others.
The administration has not shown any concern to encouraging experienced artisans in promoting the cottage industry. Even marketing of such bio-degradable and environment friendly products has not been facilitated by the administration. These jute artisans manage to sell their produce in the nearby markets.
In the age of modernity, this finer occupation has become obsolete. With bit of education the youngsters prefer to go outside the State in search of employment. Reportedly, low wages and non-availability of raw material have deteriorated their economic status.
A jute artisan named Gangadhar Sa has said, “A sales centre is badly needed in this locality’. Moreover, better know-how of colour dyeing should also be provided to them, he added.
PNN