More than 200 families depend on bamboo and cane products in Chatmohar

Chatmohar (Pabna) Correspondent: Bamboo and cane products are the only sources of livelihood for more than 200 families in Chatmohar Upazila of Pabna. More than 200 families in different areas of the Upazila including Amritkunda, Majhgram, Mirzapur, Handial, Gunaigachha, and Haripur are involved in bamboo and cane products.

This profession is their livelihood. Almost all the families of Amritkunda Daspara in Mulgram Union of Chatmohar Upazila are involved in this profession. Engaged in making bamboo-cane products from children to the elderly. With bamboo and cane, various products including kula.dala, chalna, dhaki, fishing canal, lid, pencil box, pen holder, flower tub, lock are being made.

Shops have been opened to sell these products used in daily household activities. Besides, products made of bamboo and cane are being sent to different areas including Dhaka. Being sold in the market. These products are also being sold by ferry from village to village. Minu Das, Aarti Rani, Shimu Das and others involved in this profession said that the price of bamboo and cane has gone up a lot. Moreover, plastic products have taken over the market.

As a result, they are struggling to keep up with their grandparents. During the Coronation period, they have become more erratic. They did not get any kind of incentive. They said that even though they get loans at high-interest rates from various NGOs, they do not get loans from the government or through banks on easy terms. At this time in Corona, they are trying their best to repay the NGO loan installments.

Their business can be better if they get loans on easy terms. If their financial problems are solved, the scope of work will increase. Environmentalists say the influx of harmful plastic products is destroying traditional and eco-friendly bamboo and cane industries. The number of people involved in the bamboo and cane industry is decreasing day by day. Public and private patronage is needed to sustain this industry.