Artisans excel in cane, bamboo industry

Manipur, June 25 (ANI): Manipur is popular for its intricately designed cane and bamboo handicraft products. The weaving is unique and is practiced by different tribes and communities of the state. As handicraft business soared in the state, Irom Krishnapriya and her family started Krishnapriya Canes and Bamboo Company in the year 2010. Trained by Institute of Cooperative Management and Directorate of Commerce and Industries, Manipur, Krishnapriya’s family turned their traditional business of mats to that of cane and bamboo products. Though they started with a mere investment of rupees 200, the family now earns rupees 2 lakh a month. Currently, nine people are employed with the company for salaries ranging between rupees 20,000-25,000 a month. Flower pots, Market basket, Kouna bags, Fruit basket, Letter box, Waste paper basket, Pen stand, Hair clip, Flat basket and Key chains are among the wide range of products manufactured at Krishnapriya Canes and Bamboo Company. A unique weaving style makes these items tougher and durable. The raw bamboo used in these products is procured from Sadangsenba Maring Village of Senapati district and other nearby places. Also, Krishnapriya Canes and Bamboo products has been listed under the “Make in Manipur online campaign” initiated by online news portal Manipurtimes. Bamboo and cane items are the most common handicraft products manufactured by artisans across the state. Hundreds of local artisans are earning a livelihood by manufacturing handicraft products as cane and bamboo items are extensively used in every Manipuri household. The handicrafts sector has provided several self employment opportunities to artisans like Krishnapriya in the state.