Promoting Sustainable Handicrafts
Survey conducted in Muslimpatty, Hajo to understand the brass metal industry in the village. The tinkling sound of beating metal coming from every household, stood proof of their age old craft-making skills. However, we observed that the traditional handicraft is facing crisis due to factory made replicas and plastic items taking over the market as alternatives.
Survey conducted in Tamuli Supa village, Sarthebari to understand the bell metal industry in the village. The precious bell metal industry is the second-largest handicraft industry of Assam. The once flourishing bell metal industry is facing threat from the abundantly available cheaper objects made with aluminum, plastic, etc. which is engulfing the entire cottage industry market.
Reviving Communities Through Eco-Crafts
At Earthful Foundation, we believe sustainability can be woven into every thread of livelihood. Our Water Hyacinth Handicraft Initiative aims to transform an environmental menace into a means of empowerment for rural communities.
After conducting a detailed field study in Majpathori and Panikhaiti villages (Nagaon District, Assam), we found that water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed choking local water bodies, holds untapped potential for crafting eco-friendly products like mats, baskets, and decor items.
With growing interest from local artisans and SHGs, Earthful has developed a way forward to provide training, introduce decentralized processing units, and establish market linkages for water hyacinth-based crafts. Our visits to processing hubs, artisan clusters, and machine manufacturers helped us identify efficient tools such as hyacinth flattening machines, moulds, cutters, and handlooms, ideal for rural deployment.
This program is not just about craft – it’s about community-led sustainability, restoring water ecosystems, and creating livelihoods rooted in circular economy principles.
