Pankaj Kumar is promoting Odisha’s traditional art by creating eco-friendly products from Sabai grass and palm leaves
Sabai grass is a natural fiber from which Odishan artists are creating numerous everyday products. Odisha’s handicrafts made from Sabai grass have earned a worldwide recognition. By creating products from it, artists are promoting Odisha’s culture and tradition. Pankaj Kumar is one such artist who is promoting the state’s heritage by crafting a variety of household items from Sabai grass. He spoke in detail with Kisan of India about the various products he makes from this natural fiber.
Earlier, only paper was made.
While Sabai grass has become synonymous with handicrafts in Odisha, it is not native to Odisha. Pankaj Kumar says that this grass was brought from Africa by the local king in 1870, and initially, it was used only for paper production. Gradually, as the utility of this natural fiber became known, it was used to make flower baskets, ropes, and various household items. It is currently cultivated in 2-3 districts of Odisha.
Excellent alternative to plastic
In today’s times, when plastic is causing significant environmental damage, products made from Sabai grass are proving to be an excellent alternative to plastic. Utensils and containers made from it are not only eco-friendly but also durable and pose no health risks. Pankaj explains that previously, people weren’t very aware of Sabai grass, but for the past six years, he has been making numerous products from it and has promoted his products through social media.
Inspiration comes from customers
When Pankaj takes his products to exhibitions, he is amazed by their unique materials and often asks what they are made of. Pankaj says that his products use Sabai grass as well as palm leaves. Regarding product design, he creates some designs himself, while others are tailored to customer demand. He develops new ideas based on customer needs and preferences.
More than 350 products have been created
Pankaj explains that he has over 350 products, including pen stands, roti boxes, earring boxes, wall decorations, laundry baskets, planter holders, mats, and more. One of the most important features of these products is that they can be dried and reused once they get wet. The drier they are, the longer they last.
If it ever gets damaged, you can throw it away, but unlike plastic, it won’t have any adverse effects on the environment. He further explains that before COVID, limited access to Sabai was available, but now more people are aware of Sabai, so the demand for products made from it has increased.
How much is the price?
Pankaj says that the price depends on the product. He says that products that require more labor and time to make tend to be more expensive. The products he offers range in price from 40 rupees to 5,000 rupees. Laundry baskets are available for as little as 500 rupees, and some unique designs cost up to 2,000 rupees. Many products can be used for different purposes as per their convenience. For example, a roti box can also be used as a storage box.
What is Sabai grass?
Sabai grass is a clumping grass that can be cultivated year-round. Its botanical name is Eulaliopsis. It is cultivated in West Bengal and Odisha. Interestingly, it can be grown in low-lying and high-altitude areas and requires less water than other crops. Sabai grass is also known as a natural fiber.
Therefore, it is used to make ropes. The ropes made from it are very soft and can be dyed in various colours. Furthermore, it can be used to make paper, disposable utensils, mats, wall decorations, storage boxes, decorative items, and many other items. Due to its multiple uses, the demand for Sabai grass is increasing, making its cultivation a profitable venture for farmers.
Cultivation of Sabai Grass
It is usually grown from seeds or by cutting the root system. It is harvested several times a year, and the grass grows back after harvesting. After carefully harvesting it, the fiber is extracted through dry processing. Cultivating it not only provides economic benefits to farmers and provides raw materials for industry, but it also promotes biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and helps create a healthy environment. Cultivating it maintains ecological balance.
Sabai grass is an important part of the rural economy, contributing to employment generation and environmental protection. Therefore, its cultivation needs to be promoted. Sabai grass handicrafts help keep the traditional art of Bengal and Odisha alive and promote it worldwide.
To promote its cultivation, it is essential that the government support farmers so they can receive a fair price for their produce. While there are constant calls for a plastic ban, it cannot be completely banned because no viable alternative to plastic has been found. Therefore, promoting products made from Sabai grass can help reduce plastic use.
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