North West Bengal has a cane variant called Sital Patti growing abundantly in wastelands. Sital pati, a kind of mat, is perhaps the most notable and popular product among the handicrafts of Cooch Behar. Sital Patti means “cool” reed, and once upon a time people across West Bengal used them as sleeping mats, even now referred to as “air conditioned” mats. Today cheap plastic imports have reduced the market for these products. New products for new markets are a way forward.

 

Project Location: Cooch Behar, North West Bengal

Project Duration: 4 Years

 

The aim of this project is to facilitate natural and sustainable livelihood development for the Sital Patti artisans through market driven skill training and by forming a natural fibre producer company in Cooch Behar. Looking at the complex value chains involved in this sector, it is imperative to build an eco system for artisans to thrive and prosper. The essential components of this eco system are:

 

Skill up-gradation for the unskilled

Design development

Setting up of producer owned production enterprise

Market development

Access to working capital

Professional management support

 

The key outcome of this intervention is an increase in income of the beneficiaries.

 

 

Sital Patti is a flexible material but doesn't have the ability to retain its shape on its own. Weaving wire along with Sital Patti helps the product retain its shape. This technique helps in easy packaging of the products.

 

This includes the market research, Business plan and the wayforward  for the project.