Kolabira, 4.12 (Fast News Odisha): The residents of tribal reserved districts are now not given the opportunity to support their families by selling small forest products. On the one hand, the forest is disappearing, on the other hand, the livelihood of the forest dwellers has been cut off due to the widespread use of plastic and polythene. Although the government has imposed a crackdown on the use of plastic, in reality, plastic products are ruling the market, both east and west. While the income of the khalisayal artisans is increasing due to the pollution crackdown, the hands of the artisans have been tied by the widespread trade of the polython. It is being discussed in Karigar Mahal that the government’s plan to provide incentives and market facilities to textile manufacturing companies is far from being planned. According to the information, the ancestors of the forest dwellers of the tribal-controlled district used to collect grasses, honey, leaves, wood, spices, toothpicks, etc. from the forest and run the world of oil and salt. However, there is still a market demand for thalis and gina made from collected leaves and artisanal leaves are being produced in various regions. However, market facilities are not being made available with incentives for Khali production units at the government level. Even though the produced leaves are being sold in festivals and fairs in the local area, it is not enough. The Mission Shakti Women’s Sanya Asahi group members are interested, but the opportunity is not at hand. Even though they learn the art of weaving, there is no proper training system for the artisans with the establishment of production units. There is a greater demand for sandalwood than sand in the market, but the facilities are not available Although there are many opportunities for the artisans to produce and sell leaves throughout the year, due to lack of incentives, the artisans can only earn for a few days. At other times, the craftsman is sitting with his hands tied. The artisans are demanding that the government tightens the polythene restrictions and efforts are made to establish hemp production units with SHG members and market facilities are made available with the help of Ormas.
Sameer Kumar Naik reports from Kolabira, Fast News Odisha