Bamboo is called as ‘green gold’ and is a source of income for many generation. Many tribals earn their livelihood by selling the bamboo products.
It is true that there has been drastic decline in the use of bamboo products. Thanks to the plastic products, the demand for bamboo has declined.
Amidst increase in demand for plastic products, Telugu Meda community members have been engaged in preparing bamboo products. Flower vase, Barji used for drying clothes and rearing birds, 'Rottipacche' and baskets for storing leafy vegetables.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, weaver Nagaraju said “there has been drastic decline in demand for ‘kaasina kukke.’ Earlier, Kaasina kukke was used in Hindu marriage rituals. The tray used for rearing silk worms also do not have demand.
A merchant from Ramnagara had taken away 50 to 100 such trays for sericulture recently. Now tray made of steel or iron is available. So there is no demand for tray made of bamboo. Now, we sell small handicrafts made of bamboo to earn income for living,” he said.
“‘Tadape’ is used across Kodagu district even to this day. There is a demand for it. Tourists purchase flower vase, bulb gumbaz and screens. However, the sale is not as per expectations. Many purchase it if we sell for less price. Many a time we are forced to sell at less price,” said Mani.
“At the same time, there has been decline in availability of bamboo in our surroundings. We have to get it from Bhagamandala and Karike. As a result, we too incur loss,” he added.
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