Summary:
A resident of Patuli village under Rajkanika block has been making and selling bamboo baskets and other products for over the past four decades.“I learnt the art of making bamboo baskets from my father. Artists say the people’s preference for cheap plastic alternatives to bamboo baskets had affected their livelihood.Take the case of Banita Patra (60), who is the last in a long line of bamboo craftspersons. “We will provide them proper training and financial assistance,” he added.In the absence of patronage of any kind, the bamboo craftspersons have given up any hope of arresting the decline. KENDRAPADA: The age-old bamboo craft of the coastal district of Kendrapada is on the verge of extinction. Now, only around 1,000 families eke out a living from the trade.The acute shortage of bamboo has also hurt the artists..