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Gautam Bir Tuladhar of Nepal has been using hemp, nettle and bamboo fibres to make fabric, shawls and bags over the years and now he is trying to create magic out of banana stems.
He is half way through his goal and now he is in India to look for a machine that will help him transform banana fibres into fine fabric.
“My family is engaged in natural fibre products by using techniques like knot making, weaving and knitting,” he said.
Exchange programme
Tuladhar, who is one of the participants in the International Craft Exchange Programme on Embroidery, Cane & Bamboo and other natural fibre crafts at the ongoing India International Trade Fair here, is now specialising in banana-based fibre and diversifying its products range.
“After initial processing, the fibre can be used for making decorative items such as bags, mats and boxes. But for its use as fabric for clothes, it has to be more refined. Right now I don’t have a machine for that purpose,” he says.
“I have got in touch with some people here who can help in this regard. I hope I can achieve my dream of making clothes out banana stems soon,” Tuladhar told PTI.
Ten national and as many international artisans from Vietnam, Thailand, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal are participating in the international craft exchange programme organised by Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) in the Ministry of Textiles in association with National Centre for Design & Product Development (NCDPD).
Other international artisans are showcasing embroidery products (Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bhutan), water hyacinth and vetiver grass items (Thailand) and bamboo products (Vietnam and Nepal).
Indian products
There is also a thematic exhibition of Indian handicrafts with more than 300 exclusive products in wood, terracotta, metal, glass, cane and bamboo, natural fibre and embroideries such as Zari/Zardozi, Kantha, Chikankari, Phulkari etc on display.
The artisans from India are showcasing their craft skills in Zari/Zardozi, crewel embroidery, Phulkari, and natural fibre crafts such as bamboo, sikki grass, paddy craft etc.
The programme aims to provide a thrust to exports of Indian handicrafts and an opportunity to the craft persons and entrepreneurs to interact with the national and international visitors.
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