Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Thursday laid foundation for two bamboo factories in Jama block of Santhal Pargana and said that the Government has set an objective of improving the economic condition of households here by marketing handmade bamboo products in the international market.

Addressing artisans at ESAF bamboo factory in Jama, Das said, “Our Industries Department is working on grooming the bamboo artisans and marketing their products in the international market. This will not only help the people of Jharkhand earn a livelihood, but also strengthen our economy.”

The Chief Minister said that artisans in Jharkhand are oozing with talent and their inherent craftsmanship only requires a little guidance and exposure to latest technologies. “I thank officials of the Industries Department for providing modern machines to our artisans and helping them groom their talent,” he added. The Government’s push for bamboo handicraft has already started showing results. E-Commerce giant Snapdeal recently launched handmade bamboo products of Jharkhand on its platform. The products were made under the Mukya Mantri Laghu Kutir Udyog Vikas Board, an initiative of the Industries Department here. Snapdeal will retail handmade kitchen accessories and furniture made by tribe groups in Jharkhand.

There is enormous scope in the field of handmade bamboo products, said Das on Thursday, adding that the Government was committed to increase the bamboo production here for the same reason. Das also lauded the women of Jharkhand for their sincerity and hard work.

The women of Jharkhand, he said, are achieving success in the field of agriculture as well as animal husbandry and transforming their lives. “Our push for bamboo products will empower our tribal women and make them self-reliant. The people of Jharkhand will fight poverty by using their craftsmanship,” he said.

Das said that the State was particularly focusing on Santhal Pargana under its project to boost bamboo products as the region had higher number of bamboo artisans as compared to other parts of the State. Das said that bamboo products will bring an end to the ordeals of several tribal families in the region and pave way for development.

He also said that despite the focus on bamboo products, the State will continue to prioritise agriculture in order to strengthen the economy here. “Farmers are our top priority and we will continue to work for their welfare,” said Das.Meanwhile, around 500 businessmen from six countries attended the concluding day of National Bamboo Artisan Fair in Dumka on Thursday.

The fair was organized on the occasion of World Bamboo Day.