Date:17/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041760070300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Bamboo workers to get expert training

Special Correspondent

A team of 10 traditional workers to go to China for the training

Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

Traditional produce: Wares on display at the Bamboo Fest organised by the Kerala Institute of Labour and Employment in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. —

Thiruvananthapuram: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom has said the government is planning to send a team of 10 traditional workers to China to receive training in the design and manufacture of products from bamboo, reed, rattan and other natural fibres.

He was inaugurating a Bamboo Fest organised by the Kerala Institute of Labour and Employment (KILE) here on Wednesday.

Highlighting the need for technology inputs and training in the manufacture of wicker products, the Minister said China made remarkable progress in modernising the sector. He hoped the training programme would help to boost the prospects of the traditional craftsmen in Kerala and add to their income.

“Fed up with synthetic materials like plastic, the world is switching over to natural substitutes like bamboo, cane, rushes and reeds. We should be able to capitalise on the demand for eco-friendly materials and products and in the process, improve the life of workers in the traditional sector,” he said.

Mr.Viswom said the Forest Department had chalked out a project to mobilise tribal people for the manufacture of organic products.

The chemical-free products would be branded and launched for sale in the domestic and export markets, he said.

The Minister said the government would take a favourable attitude to traditional craftsmen involved in the manufacture of wicker products. “We have taken steps to supply reed and bamboo at nominal rate,” he said.

KILE chairman A. Sampath presided over the function. V. Surendran Pillai and K.K. Divakaran, MLAs, also spoke.

An exhibition-cum-sale of various natural fibre products was organised. The Bamboo Corporation, ANERT, Seva, Skilled Workers Union, Bamboo Manufacturing Association, Attingal Municipality, Kudumbasree units and self-help groups are participating in the exhibition.

Later, Labour Minister P.K. Gurudasan inaugurated seminar sessions organised in connection with the festival. Speaking on the occasion, he said the government was planning to establish an institute of design shortly.