Bamboo-based business in crisis

By Our Correspondent

Dadeldhura, Oct. 10: As the sales of materials made of bamboo, nigalo and rattan have started to decline, the occupation of those who depended on the business of these products fell into crisis.

Earlier, bamboo materials were used for household use and storage of agricultural produce. But in recent years, the use of these materials has decreased. Instead of bamboo and rattan materials, people started to use materials made of silver, steel and plastic available in the market and the business of those who are dependent on bamboo is in crisis.

In the village houses, materials made from bamboo were used for grain storage and to carry compost manure, grass and firewood. Not only that, it was used to keep clothes, books and shoes and make chairs and even tables from bamboo.

People used to make sticks from rattan which made it easier to walk. But nowadays, these bamboo materials have disappeared from the village.

Parki, Kaini caste of Amargadhi Municipality-7 of Tiladi Kaini village have been making bamboo materials for their livelihood for generations.

But now the demand for materials made from bamboo is declining in the market, they said.

Earlier, bamboo baskets were used to store grain. But in recent years, baskets made of zinc have developed, so the business of bamboo has been diminishing, said Tika Parki, a local.

The materials produced by the Dalits of Tiladi and Kaini reached the villages of Dadeldhura, Doti, Achham and other hilly districts of Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.

He said that products are made throughout the year and sold during festivals, mainly during Dashain and Tihar.

About 200 families of Tiladi village have been making a living by making bamboo products and selling them in the village. But now this occupation is in crisis, he said.

With silver, steel, zinc sheet and plastic being easily available in the market, this occupation has started facing crisis, said another local Narayan Kaini.

He said that his occupation is in crisis because the government has not promoted local production.

All materials needed in home and office can be made from bamboo and these products are also environment-friendly. The life of materials used in the house is years long.

“Three levels of government, including the local ones, do not make any plans for its promotion. They do not even buy manufactured goods. Due to this, the occupation is in crisis and unemployment is increasing,” 

he said.