Imphal, July 11 (ANI): A large number of people in Manipur are engaged in the manufactured cane and bamboo items to earn their livelihood from it.
These artisans are working under the aegis of The People's Action for Rural Development Organization (PARDO) that has set up the Rungchan cane and bamboo crafts cluster.
Many people from Maring Tribe are also engaged in this business in Tusihimi Village in Chandel District.
"We get a salary every month; so it is very helpful I can pay for my children tuition fees as well I can spend money on my other needs. So, it is very good," said K Tabitha Tarao, an artisan .
"I am working here and I get paid. But I request the government to help us and give us some support then I am sure that we will have a better life," said Ch Koshil Tarao, another artisan.
Handmade cane and bamboo products from the Northeast are in great demand across the country. They attract many buyers in fairs and exhibitions.
The finished products are marketed within the state and are also sold at India International Trade Fairs.
"We are trying to give our best support to our Artisans but we need to do more. We request the government to provide us more help especially for the artisans. This will help us pay them well and they can sustain themselves better," said W Charanga, Chairman, PARDO.
India has nearly 145 varieties of bamboo species. Bamboo forests occupy approximately 10.03 million hectares, which constitutes almost 12.8 percent of the total forest area of the country. 28 percent the area is located in the northeast region. (ANI)