From Grassroots to Green Jobs: How the EU Switch Asia Project is Empowering India’s Bamboo Artisans

From grassroots to green jobs: how the EU switch asia project is empowering India's Bamboo Artisans

Project Synopsis

In the heart of India’s tribal regions, where bamboo thrives abundantly, a remarkable transformation unfolded in the northeastern and central Indian states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tripura, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. This inspiring change was brought about by the EU Switch Asia Project, an initiative aimed at uplifting bamboo micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by promoting sustainable development.

With generous funding of nearly 2.5 million euros from the EU and co-financing of 624,956 euros, the project was implemented by the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) as the Lead Implementing Agency. Other partners included SIDBI, CEMCA, and Copenhagen Business School, with Project Associates GDI/DIE and RGVN playing crucial roles.

Focusing on entrepreneurship, particularly among women, and fostering green jobs, the EU Switch Asia Project has created a sustainable and prosperous future for these communities. The project provided training in modern bamboo processing techniques, facilitated financial support, and established market linkages, empowering countless artisans and transforming the bamboo industry across these regions.

Objectives

The project’s primary objective was to foster sustainable development through the promotion of bamboo as a viable resource. This included enhancing entrepreneurship, especially among women, to create green jobs and boost economic growth. The project was structured around five key work packages, each designed to address specific needs from enterprise development to market creation, governance strengthening, financial linkages, and policy dialogue.

The project was structured around five key work packages, each designed to address specific needs from enterprise development to market creation, governance strengthening, financial linkages, and policy dialogue.

Pre-Intervention Situation

Before the intervention, the bamboo sector in these regions was largely underdeveloped. Artisans mostly engaged in traditional, low-value products, lacked proper skills, and had minimal access to markets or financial support. The environmental potential of bamboo remained untapped, and local governance systems were not robust enough to support sustainable development.

Challenges

The path to success was strewn with challenges. Initial delays in project commencement, followed by the global pandemic, caused significant setbacks. Lockdowns, restricted mobility, and political unrest further hindered progress. The artisans’ initial hesitation to embrace new health and safety practices also posed a challenge, as did the limited knowledge of financial institutions about the potential of bamboo enterprises.

Approach and methodology

This initiative began with a thorough assessment to understand the needs and challenges of local artisans, forming the basis of a strategic plan tailored to their requirements. Capacity building was key, with artisans receiving training in modern bamboo processing, contemporary product designs, and sustainable practices. A Training of Trainers (ToT) model ensured widespread knowledge dissemination within communities.

Infrastructure development was crucial, with Common Facility Centers (CFCs) providing access to modern tools, and existing units upgraded to enhance productivity. Financial support through micro-finance and subsidies enabled artisans to invest in their businesses confidently.

Market development initiatives linked artisans with large buyers and online marketplaces, expanding their reach. Innovation in product designs boosted the appeal and profitability of bamboo goods. Policy advocacy and institutional strengthening fostered a supportive environment, ensuring long-term impact and resilience.

Impact of the Story

The project achieved remarkable success. It exceeded targets in many areas, setting up 2,604 enterprises, with over 2,000 being women-owned. . This not only created jobs but also significantly improved livelihoods.

Over 6,000 green jobs were created, and market linkages generated revenue of €3.50 million. Twelve local Facilitating Agencies (FAs) were capacitated. These agencies played a crucial role in supporting bamboo artisans and enterprises.

Additionally, 68 Producer Networks were created, and 15 Common Facility Centers (CFCs) were established, provided extensive training, and facilitated significant credit linkages with banks, benefiting nearly 2,000 MSMEs.Training and skill development were at the heart of the project’s strategy. Over 450 harvesters were trained, and more than 3,500 workers received inputs on occupational health and safety (OHS). Artisans learned new techniques, improved their working conditions, and adopted better safety practices.The project also made significant strides in policy advocacy. It engaged with 357 policy makers, influencing sectoral policies and creating a favorable environment for the bamboo industry.

The project’s success and best practices were showcased in national and international forums, highlighting the potential of bamboo to contribute to green jobs and sustainable development.

The project not only was able to significantly enhance the perception of Bamboo as a means of livelihood among artisans, but also as a means to prosperity.

Experience at some places demonstrated that the bamboo artisans/workers started from producers of low cost low returns items like baskets/supri daliya moved to high value items like lamp shades, trays, bottles, and furniture etc. and moved up in economic prosperity value chain

SUCCESS STORIES

Promod Barange/ Betul, Madhya Pradesh

From Struggle to Stability: Pramod's Bamboo Crafting Renaissance

In the dusty lanes of Betul, Madhya Pradesh, Pramod Barange’s life was a constant battle against poverty. As a seasonal bamboo worker, he toiled tirelessly, crafting traditional bamboo items that fetched him a meagre income.

The weight of his family’s survival rested heavily on his shoulders, and there were many nights when he went to bed wondering how he would provide for his children the next day. His dreams of a stable life seemed like distant stars, out of reach.

One fateful day, the FMC team arrived in Betul and invited artisans to join the project, who saw potential in their craftsmanship. Pramod eagerly came forth. The project provided him with training to improve his product quality and production capacity, introducing the latest designs and techniques.

It was a turning point that Pramod had never imagined. With their support, he secured a loan of Rs 42,000 under the Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana from the Bank of Maharashtra. The financial boost, combined with his newfound skills, transformed his life. From earning a paltry income, Pramod’s earnings soared to Rs 24,000 per month—a six-fold increase. He transitioned from a seasonal worker to a full-time bamboo artisan, a transformation that seemed almost magical.

Pramod’s newfound success and confidence led him to become a trainer at FMC, where he now inspires and motivates other artisans in the cluster. His journey from uncertainty to stability has set a powerful example, encouraging 30 other units in his close vicinity to take up bamboo crafting as a full-time profession. The man who once feared for his family’s future now stood tall, a beacon of hope for his community.

Pramod’s newfound success and confidence led him to become a trainer at FMC, where he now inspires and motivates other artisans in the cluster.

Nandita Chakraborty / Dharmanagar, Tripura

Delivering Sustainable Bamboo Upholstery to Taj Group: Nandita’s Story of Entrepreneurial Success

In the tranquil town of Dharmanagar, Tripura, Nandita Chakraborty embarked on a remarkable journey of entrepreneurial success. In 2014, she established Srishti Crafts with a small team of three artisans, producing utility and decorative products made from flexible bamboo mats.

Despite their hard work, the enterprise managed an annual turnover of Rs 5.22 lakhs, earning a modest gross profit of 12%.

Everything changed when the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) stepped in. FMC developed a technical and financial proposal for a modern production unit to manufacture premium bamboo-mat products.

In June 2021, Srishti Crafts received a loan of Rs 8.64 lakhs from Punjab National Bank and a subsidy under the Government of India’s Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme. With FMC’s assistance, Nandita procured and installed mat weaving handlooms, industrial sewing machines, and product assembling tools.

FMC also trained 18 new artisans and a supervisor, expanding Nandita’s team. The new line of premium products was showcased on FMC’s e-portal, reaching a wider audience. Soon, Srishti Crafts began receiving orders from reputed clients. One of their proudest achievements was supplying bamboo upholstery to premium clients such as Taj Vivanta, Guwahati.

In the first year of operating the modern production unit, Srishti Crafts achieved an impressive turnover of Rs 19.80 lakhs.

Nandita’s story is a testament to how innovation, support, and dedication can transform a small business into a thriving enterprise, bringing sustainable bamboo products to the forefront of modern utility and luxury.

Sasmita Bhue / Sambalpur, Odisha

Environment-friendly Air-Cooler Pads with Bamboo & Dry Grass: Sasmita’s Story of Empowerment through Diversification

Sasmita Bhue, a 27-year-old bamboo artisan from Sambalpur, Odisha, once relied on weaving traditional bamboo basketry to earn a living. Her seasonal work brought in a meager Rs. 15,000 annually, barely enough to support her family. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 further reduced the demand for her baskets, leaving her with negligible income.

Everything changed when Sasmita attended a training workshop organized by the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC). There, she was introduced to the craft of manufacturing environment-friendly cooling pads using bamboo and dry grass. FMC linked her with traders from Odisha and Chhattisgarh and facilitated a working capital loan of Rs. 10,000. They also provided training in maintaining proper accounts, which improved her financial management. Additionally, Sasmita received assistance in obtaining an Artisan card from DC Handicrafts, enabling her to access beneficial schemes in the future.

Within six months, Sasmita’s business thrived. She sold cooling pads worth Rs. 1,00,000, earning Rs. 50,000 in profits. This newfound opportunity allowed her to save Rs. 1,500 per month for her daughter’s future. She also set aside surplus income in her savings bank account for future expenses, particularly healthcare, accumulating Rs. 12,000 so far. Inspired by her success, 20 more artisans from her village have taken up cooling pad manufacturing and are experiencing similar growth.

Sasmita’s journey from struggling basket weaver to successful entrepreneur highlights the transformative power of skill diversification and financial empowerment.

Mukesh Mohli / Deogarh, Jharkhand

Empowering Women SHGs of Deogarh: Mukesh’s Story of Driving Change through Aggregation

Mukesh Mohli, hailing from Deogarh, Jharkhand, belongs to a community deeply engaged in bamboo craftsmanship. Initially, Mukesh produced traditional bamboo items and sold them at bi-weekly local markets, earning Rs 14,000 a month. However, the demand for traditional basketry was dwindling due to competition from plastic and similar materials.

Mukesh attended several skill training workshops organized by the Government of Jharkhand. Recognizing the need for innovation, he convinced women artisans, including his wife, to attend FMC’s skill training workshops, where he was engaged as a master artisan. With FMC’s support, Mukesh and the women artisans developed a range of modern bamboo products, mostly utility basketry with contemporary designs.

These new products were a hit in the local market. FMC further linked Mukesh to large buyers like ESPCL, Namaste Bamboo, and ESAF Retail, expanding their reach. Mukesh transitioned into a trader role, actively involved in designing and supervising production. Two women SHGs, comprising 20 artisans, now craft bamboo products for Mukesh, generating a monthly turnover of Rs 60,000.

This shift has empowered the women artisans, who previously depended on low agricultural income. They can now invest in their families’ welfare and save for medical emergencies. Mukesh, on the other hand, is planning for further growth with FMC’s support. He aims to bring more SHGs under the umbrella of the project, targeting an annual turnover of INR 25 lakhs.

Chanchal Goswami / Dharmanagar, Tripura

Establishing a State-of-the-Art Incense Stick Factory: Goswami’s Story of Entrepreneurial Success

Chanchal Goswami, a visionary entrepreneur from Dharmanagar, Tripura, dreamt of establishing his own incense manufacturing plant. With over 20 years of experience in the incense stick sector, Goswami had been providing training to government and non-government agencies on manufacturing and marketing incense sticks. Leveraging his extensive market knowledge, he also traded incense sticks and agarbattis from local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and small manufacturers. Recognizing his potential, FMC agreed to assist him in setting up a modern incense stick manufacturing unit in Dharmanagar, North Tripura District.

Goswami aimed to add value to the agarbatti-making ecosystem by establishing a plant capable of machine-rolling the ignitable coat onto bamboo sticks. The finished products would then be sold to established brands across various states in India.

With FMC’s support, a technical and financial proposal was developed, and Goswami secured a loan of Rs 30 lakhs from the bank. He also received a 60 percent subsidy on the capital investment under the Government of India’s Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme. Registering his firm as “Ankur Gramin Udyog,” Goswami constructed a 750 square feet workshop and installed nine fully automatic machines capable of bulk manufacturing high-quality incense sticks. Production at Goswami’s unit began in 2020, employing 15 full-time workers.

FMC further assisted in marketing his products through an online portal, significantly increasing his outreach to buyers across India.

Neelam Patil / Betul, Madhya Pradesh

From Retailing Sarees to Trading Bamboo Products: Neelam’s Story of Embracing Opportunity

Neelam Patil, a mother of two and a dedicated saree retailer in her early 40s, was determined to provide her children with a quality education and a better standard of living. Despite her hard work, earning only Rs 6,000 per month from selling sarees, suits, and dress materials, her dream seemed out of reach.

Spotting an opportunity, Neelam began retailing bamboo basketry alongside her sarees. However, with limited capital, she could only stock products worth Rs 1,500 to 2,000 at a time. Her hardworking nature and excellent communication skills caught the attention of the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC).

FMC assisted Neelam in obtaining a working capital loan of Rs 1,00,000 from Bandhan Bank and facilitated both backward and forward integration, linking her with artisans, large traders, and buyers. The FMC team also provided training in contemporary designs, inventory management, marketing, and basic accounting.

Neelam’s bamboo trading business soon flourished. What started as a side hustle became her primary focus. She even constructed her own warehouse to stock products during the lean production season. During peak seasons, Neelam now earns over Rs 50,000 per month, and around Rs 10,000 per month during lean seasons, averaging Rs 5.5 to 6 lakhs annually.

Neelam procures bamboo products from 60 artisans in the cluster, providing them with stable income throughout the year. With her increased earnings, she has invested in a provision store run by her husband and enrolled her children in a reputed school, ensuring a brighter future for them.

Mandram Tikka / Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Replacing Plastic-wares with Bamboo: Mandram’s Story of Success through Innovation

Mandram Tikka, originating from a family of Bastar tribals traditionally involved in bamboo craft, faced significant challenges. With limited exposure and little capital, he produced traditional bamboo wares like jhuris, supa, and jhapis. Working alongside his wife, Mandram could barely support his family of seven, earning less than Rs. 250 per day.

Recognizing his potential, FMC encouraged Mandram to participate in a skill upgradation program in Kudal, Maharashtra. This program provided him with the exposure and skills needed to craft modern bamboo products such as lamp shades, home temples, and pen stands, which had greater demand and profitability.

Equipped with new designs and skills, Mandram trained his wife and four other artisans. They formed a new unit named Laxmi Baans Kala Kendra and applied for artisan cards. FMC further supported their efforts by connecting them with traders and helping them participate in district and state exhibitions. They also assisted in arranging a working capital loan of Rs. 40,000 from a local microfinance institute.

Today, Laxmi Baans Kala Kendra has an annual turnover of Rs. 10 lakhs, employing six artisans. Mandram’s story is a testament to how the right blend of cluster development strategy, combined with individual willingness and effort, can bring about positive changes in one’s life and society as a whole.

Phulkumari Hansda / Dumka, Jharkhand

Colorful Basketry for Pilgrims of Baba’s Dham: Phulkumari’s Story of Forging New Market Linkages

In the vibrant town of Dumka, Jharkhand, Phulkumari Hansda led a group of 10 women artisans in a transformative journey under the EU Switch Asia Project implemented by FMC. These women, guided by Phulkumari, embraced advanced training in scientific production techniques, including pre-processing methods that made bamboo flexible, durable, and fungi-free. They also learned contemporary product design, allowing them to create baskets with both aesthetic appeal and utility.

The training extended to crucial skills such as raw material sourcing, order, and inventory management. Under Phulkumari’s leadership, the group developed colorful baskets specifically aimed at the pilgrims visiting Baba Basukinath Dham, with prices ranging from Rs 75 to Rs 150. These vibrant bamboo baskets quickly became popular among local retailers, leading to a surge in orders for Phulkumari’s Self-Help Group (SHG).

With FMC’s assistance, each member of the group secured a working capital loan of Rs 12,000, totaling Rs 1,20,000. This financial boost enabled them to ramp up production efficiently. Their husbands also supported the endeavor by helping with procuring, slitting, slicing, and chemically treating the bamboo.

As a result of their hard work and newfound skills, the household income of these artisans increased by 75 percent, with each household earning close to Rs 350-400 per day. Phulkumari’s leadership and the collective efforts of her group have not only enhanced their financial stability but also fostered a sense of community and empowerment.

Giogi Yachung / Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh

Leveraging the Power of Online Marketplaces: Giogi’s Story of Taking Bamboo Murhas to the World

Giogi Yachung, a dedicated Murha artisan from Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh, was once earning a meager income by selling her Murhas to local traders. Despite her hard work and skill, her income remained limited. Determined to improve her circumstances, Giogi embraced the power of online marketplaces to reach both domestic and international customers.

Recognizing her potential, the Foundation for MSME Clusters (FMC) provided Giogi with comprehensive training in modern bamboo processing and treatment methods, as well as contemporary design techniques. With FMC’s guidance, Giogi established her own firm and secured micro-finance credit to meet her working capital requirements.

Giogi reinvented the traditional Murha into contemporary products, including stools, center tables, and furniture sets for modern households. With FMC’s support, she listed her products on various online marketplaces, significantly expanding her reach. FMC also connected her with markets in Itanagar, Naharlagun, Ziro, Palin, Koloriang, and neighboring states like Assam and Meghalaya.

As a result of these efforts, Giogi’s income soared from INR 1,44,000 to INR 3,60,000. The improved designs and broader market access not only increased her sales but also boosted her profitability. Giogi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of innovation and online marketing in creating sustainable livelihoods.

Reimagining Tradition: Gelhei's Path to Sustainable Success

Gelhei Ray, a resilient woman in her late 40s from the Sambalpur bamboo cluster in Odisha, faced a life of hardship and seasonal uncertainty. Trapped in a cycle of low income and high stress, her traditional bamboo products like winnowing trays and seeding baskets brought in a meagre annual income of Rs 20,000. During off-peak seasons, Gelhei’s worries about how to feed her family often kept her awake at night.

The turning point came when the FMC team recognized the need for consistent demand products. They mobilized Gelhei and her group, training them to produce tree guards that met the specifications of the Forest Department. With a working capital loan of Rs 20,000 from Utkarsh Small Finance Bank, Gelhei secured her first order. This was more than just a financial boost; it was a lifeline. The training and financial support enabled her to diversify her product line to include packaging materials for gifts and products.

This intervention turned Gelhei from a seasonal worker into a full-time bamboo entrepreneur, providing her with a steady daily income of Rs 300. Her transformation not only improved her financial stability but also inspired other women in her community to pursue similar paths.

Gelhei’s journey from despair to hope has become a source of inspiration, proving that with the right support, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome.

Breaking Barriers: Dongche's Journey to Modern Bamboo Mastery

In the remote village of Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh, Dongche Yanik’s life was filled with hardship. She crafted traditional Murhas, small seating objects made of bamboo, but despite her hard work and leadership qualities, she struggled to make significant progress. The lack of modern design knowledge and financial resources kept her aspirations at bay. Every day, she dreamt of a better future for her family but feared it might never come.

The arrival of the FMC team helped change everything. They provided training in modern bamboo processing and contemporary design techniques and helped Dongche form a Self-Help Group (SHG). With a micro-finance credit of INR 1 lakh arranged by FMC, Dongche and her team began producing Murhas on a larger scale.

Their products reached markets beyond their local area, including Assam, increasing their turnover from INR 288,000 to INR 360,000, most of it as their income, within a year?. This surge in income allowed Dongche to renovate her bamboo house, significantly improving her living conditions.

Her story of transformation continues to inspire others in her community. The woman who once feared for her family’s future now stands as a symbol of modern bamboo mastery, leading her community towards a brighter tomorrow.

Empowering a Community: Lalduhkimi's Rise as a Bamboo Artisan Leader

In the hilly village of Edenther, Mizoram, Lalduhkimi’s life was a testament to resilience. She was traditionally engaged in weaving utility items and basketry, earning an annual turnover of Rs 25,000. Her growth was stymied by the lack of finance and market linkages. Each day was a struggle, as she grappled with the reality of her stagnant income and limited opportunities.

The intervention by FMC brought a ray of hope. They incorporated her into a skill development program focusing on trendy bamboo products, including designer household items. They also facilitated a credit line of INR 1,00,000 from the Northeast Small Finance Bank for her working capital needs.

Within three months, Lalduhkimi hired a team of four, registered her unit under Udyam, and saw her turnover skyrocket to Rs 1,00,000 with a 20 percent increase in profitability. With a steady income, she could save for healthcare needs and renovate her home, providing better amenities for her family.

Her position as a master artisan was solidified, enabling her to mentor other bamboo workers, including her two sons.

Lalduhkimi’s journey from a struggling artisan to a community leader exemplifies the transformative power of skill development and financial support, and her story continues to inspire her community.

Expanding Horizons: Md. Abul's Bamboo Trade Triumph

Md. Abul Kalam Azad, a trader from Barpeta, Assam, had dreams as vast as the bamboo forests he sourced from. However, his reality was constrained by limited working capital, forcing him to sell bamboo products at fairs and exhibitions, earning Rs 12-15 thousand a month. The ambition to expand his business and provide better for his family seemed a distant dream.

That all changed when he participated in an FMC awareness camp. The camp provided him with the knowledge and opportunity he desperately needed. With FMC’s assistance, Md. Abul secured a loan of Rs 4,75,000 from SBI under the PMEGP scheme. This financial support was a game-changer. He expanded his business significantly, now procuring cane and bamboo products worth Rs 25 lakhs annually and earning Rs 10 lakhs a year. Employing eight workers, his business has flourished, bringing economic benefits not just to his own family but also to the artisan households who supply him.

Md. Abul’s journey from constrained trader to prosperous businessman highlights the ripple effect of financial empowerment and market access on community prosperity. His success story is a source of hope for many, demonstrating that with the right support, dreams can indeed become reality.

From Grassroots to Green Jobs: How the EU Switch Asia Project is Empowering India’s Bamboo Artisans