The Struggles of Bamboo Artisans in Baliapal: A Craft on the Brink of Extinction

Challenges Faced by Bamboo Artisans

In Baliapal block of Balasore district, bamboo artisans are grappling with a significant downturn in demand for their handmade products. This once-thriving family craft, cherished for generations, is now at risk of fading away due to the increasing popularity of plastic and steel alternatives.

An artisan lamented, "Our family has relied on this craft for generations, but it's becoming impossible to make a decent living. We hope that people will still value our handmade items, but the income we used to earn two decades ago is now just a dream."

Villages such as Madhupura, Bada Simulia, Balarampur, Barasha, Gopinathpur, Khaladiha, and Biripalia are home to many artisans from the Harijan community and other marginalized groups who depend on crafting bamboo household items.

These skilled artisans traditionally create products like kula (winnowing fans), pachhia (storage trays), bhogei (carrying baskets), jhampa (flat trays), and dala (round baskets), which once had a robust market presence. Customers would even pay upfront to secure these items, but that demand has drastically diminished.

The younger generation is increasingly disinterested in learning the craft, often questioning their parents, "What benefits have you gained from this work that we should continue it?" Although there is still some national appreciation for bamboo products, many rural artisans lack access to essential training and support.

A local artisan pointed out, "The government promotes self-help groups (SHGs) with various benefits and training. Why can't we receive similar support?"

With limited earnings and no alternative livelihoods, many artisans are compelled to sell their handmade goods at reduced prices just to make ends meet. Some younger members of the community have left the trade entirely, seeking work in other states as laborers.

Artisans like Minati Ghadai, Ramakanta Ghadai, Panchanan Ghadai, Basanti Ghadai, Sanyasi Ghadai, Seema Ghadai, Ganesh Ghadai, Sandhya Ghadai, and Purnachandra Ghadai from Bada Simulia express their frustration at being overlooked. They stated, "We cannot abandon this profession, nor do we have any other source of income."

Despite the numerous challenges and low earnings, some families in Balasore district strive to preserve this traditional craft. Social worker Anuj Mohapatra emphasized, "If the government offered financial support and skill training, it could significantly enhance the livelihoods of these artisans."