The longstanding small and cottage industry of Lakshmipur is on the verge of extinction due to the rise of plastic products and lack of raw materials. Hundreds of families who are dependent on this industry are also becoming unemployed or being forced to give up their family tradition.
According to Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), at least 300 artisans in Lakshmipur are directly involved with the cottage industry. Many of them have been making bamboo and cane products for the last 50 years carrying on the family custom and indigenous artistic skills.
Even a few years ago, the household products made by these artisans were in good demand because of unique designs and quality.
However, with the advent of modern day technology, availability of cheap plastic products and expensive raw materials, the demand for bamboo and cane products has slumped significantly. This has led to unemployment of the artisans who are still struggling to hold on to the inherited craftsmanship.
Residents of the villages of Charruhita union, Pashchim Lakshmipur, Tewariganj, Bangakha, Raipur and Ramgati of the district have been famous for their skills and quality products. Various household items like mats, utensils, racks, hand-fan, wooden toy, small furniture, and other daily necessary items were in high demand.
The cottage industry in Lakshmipur developed due to abundance of bamboo and canes. Bamboo groves would grow up around the villages without much effort. Canes would also be available in plenty beside the ponds. Artisans were able to collect their raw materials and pour their heart into making necessary products.
But rapid urbanisation and loss of lands have resulted in less production of bamboo and canes.
Artisans said they are having to buy a piece of bamboo for Tk200 to 350 now whereas it used to be Tk50-120.
“The price has gone high because of a decline in the production. This coupled with a slump in demand for these products has hit us real hard,” they said.
Amena Begum of Banchannagar village in Sadar upazila said: “The way bamboo prices are increasing day by day, it is almost impossible for us to stick to this profession. We also cannot compete with the plastic products.”
The artisans said many of them inherited the profession from their families and have been in the business for the last 50 years.
“But many people gave up their profession. We desperately need support from the government to save the industry,” the artisans said.
Coordinator of Lakshmipur BSCIC unit Arvind Das said: “Apart from training and financial support for the artisans, marketing of these products should also be enhanced.”
Manik Uddin, a retailer of bamboo and canes products in Lakshmipur bazar, said there was no permanent market for these products. Also, the products are losing appeal since there is a lack of variety.
Lakshmipur artisans urged the government for easy loan and partnership with private companies to bring back the glory of the cottage industry in the country.
