Odisha harbors a remarkable story of entrepreneurial spirit and sustainable commerce within its tribal communities. Among the variety of ventures that dot the landscape, the bamboo business stands out as an extraordinary example of ingenuity and enterprise.

For centuries, bamboo has been an integral part of the tribal culture in Odisha. However, what distinguishes this community’s approach is their transformation of this age-old resource into a thriving business. The ingenious use of bamboo extends from crafting everyday tools to creating intricate artworks, architectural marvels, and eco-friendly products.

In Odisha, India, several tribal communities are known for their traditional bamboo crafts. One prominent tribal community engaged in bamboo craftwork is the “Saora” or “Soura” tribe. The Saora tribe, also known as Savara, resides in the hilly and forested regions of southern Odisha, particularly in the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput. These areas are part of the Eastern Ghats, a region rich in biodiversity and cultural diversity.

The Saora tribe has a rich cultural heritage that includes unique bamboo crafts. The artisans from this community skillfully utilize bamboo to create a variety of products, such as baskets, mats, wall hangings, and other utility items. These bamboo crafts often reflect the tribe’s connection with nature and their sustainable lifestyle.

According to the research paper by Dr. Ramakanta Bhuyan titled “SOME REFLECTS ON FOLK ARTS OF ODISHA – CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS,” basket making from cane and bamboo has been practiced since ancient days. There are a number of articles made from cane and bamboo such as furniture, fruit basket, tray, light stand, candle stand, etc. It has been manufactured in most of the hilly areas because it is available in the forest. By acquiring skill, decorative items are manufactured at Rangimunda of Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Sundarkumpa of Kandhamal, Basudevpur of Bhadrak, Deogaon of Dhenkanal, Tikiri, Bissam Cuttack in Rayagada, Laxmipur, Baipariguda in Koraput district.

The Rise of Entrepreneurial Ventures

Empowered by the rich bamboo reserves of Odisha’s forests, the tribal communities have turned their traditional knowledge into flourishing entrepreneurial endeavors.

These ventures span across various sectors, including:

Artisanal Crafts: Skilled artisans meticulously fashion bamboo into diverse handicrafts, ranging from baskets, furniture, and decorative items to musical instruments and intricate artworks. These pieces not only showcase exceptional craftsmanship but also cater to a growing market both domestically and internationally.

Innovative Eco-friendly Products: Leveraging bamboo’s sustainability and versatility, entrepreneurs have delved into producing eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo toothbrushes, straws, packaging materials, and even bamboo-based textiles. The demand for sustainable products has significantly boosted these ventures, aligning with global eco-conscious trends.

Construction and Architecture: Bamboo’s robust yet flexible nature has led to its use in innovative architectural designs and construction. From eco-resorts to sustainable housing, the tribal community has embraced bamboo as a primary material, promoting eco-friendly building practices and contributing to sustainable development.

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Impact and Growth

The economic and social impact of these entrepreneurial pursuits within the tribal community cannot be overstated. Through their efforts, they’ve not only achieved financial independence but have also preserved their cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship, passing down these skills through generations.

Employment and Empowerment

The thriving bamboo business has become a cornerstone of employment in these regions. It has provided livelihood opportunities to countless individuals, particularly empowering women who actively participate in the bamboo-related value chain. This inclusivity has brought about societal transformation by fostering gender equality and economic autonomy.

Environmental Sustainability

Additionally, the utilization of bamboo as a sustainable resource aligns with global environmental agendas. Bamboo’s rapid growth, low environmental impact, and carbon sequestration properties make it an ideal material for eco-friendly production. By promoting bamboo-based products, these enterprises contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Statistics and Figures

To comprehend the scale and impact of this entrepreneurial pursuit, consider these compelling statistics:

Employment Generation: Over 500,000 individuals directly or indirectly benefit from the bamboo industry in Odisha, providing livelihoods across various skill sets.

Economic Contribution: The industry contributes significantly to the state’s economy, accounting for millions annually, reflecting its substantial commercial viability.

Export Potential: With the global demand for sustainable products on the rise, the export of bamboo-based goods has seen a notable uptick, with nearly 30% of the products finding markets abroad.

An example of this can be showcased through the Odi Art Centre in Odisha. The Centre is home to the Purvasha Folk and Tribal Art Museum, built with financial assistance from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Odisha. This centre provides bamboo crafting workshops for the locals and people around its forest. Craftspeople from Assam bring in bamboo, and it is processed for crafting various products. Periodic craft fairs and exhibitions are organized in different parts of Odisha, providing a platform for artisans to showcase and sell their products. Various tribal communities in Odisha contribute to the state’s diverse craft landscape. Crafts include Dokra metalwork, tribal jewelry, and bamboo crafts. Bamboo is prepared for crafting by going through various processes. First, the harvested bamboo is allowed to dry. This process, known as curing or seasoning, helps reduce moisture content and prevents insect infestation. Bamboo can be air-dried or kiln-dried, depending on the available resources. Split the bamboo stalks into smaller, workable sections. This can be done manually using a knife or machete. The size of the splits depends on the intended use. Thicker splits may be suitable for furniture, while thinner ones may be used for weaving.

Then the heating of the bamboo splits is done to make them more pliable for bending or straightening. This can be done using hot water, steam, or an open flame, depending on the thickness and intended use, and finally, the crafting process starts.

Through these workshops, the locals learn skills and use them for their livelihood and sustenance. These workshops have crafted various types of bamboo purses, jewelries, furniture, sieves, etc. They have even crafted bamboo cottages and furniture, which can be seen in the centre itself. These items made are sold to the rurals around the region and the tourists that visit the area. Income and skilled labor are accordingly generated through these workshops.

Conclusion

The entrepreneurial journey of Odisha’s tribal community in the bamboo business is an inspiring testament to the fusion of traditional wisdom, innovation, and economic prosperity. Their ability to leverage a natural resource sustainably while fostering economic growth and cultural preservation serves as a beacon of success not only within the state but on a global scale.

This remarkable narrative stands as a shining example of how entrepreneurial spirit, when nurtured within a community, can lead to sustainable development, economic empowerment, and the preservation of cultural heritage—a testament to the potential that lies within indigenous knowledge and resourcefulness.

As the world looks towards sustainable solutions and inclusive development, the bamboo business of Odisha’s tribal community serves as a guiding light, illuminating a path toward a more prosperous, eco-conscious, and culturally rich future.

Author

Ankit Yadav is currently a third year student of Cluster Innovation centre. He is pursuing bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Social sciences. Under the mentorship of his professor, he and his team are currently working on a research work based on forest dwelling committee and forest management.
Under his project he has interacted with various forest communities who are using entrepreneurial approach to sustain their livelihood. Through his article he has shown and analyzed all his findings.