A group of entrepreneurs from Sri Sri Auniati Satra in Dhing town’s Nagaon district of Assam is setting examples for many on generating income using the locally-available raw materials with innovation and skill.

In this town, around 150 artisans working under the banner—Panchajanya, a non-profit organization – at present are earning a livelihood by manufacturing items made from the free-floating perennial aquatic plants — water hyacinth or pani meteka.

These local flowering bearing fastest-growing plants have become a source of income for the entrepreneurs. The eco-friendly products produced by the local artisans from water hyacinth  – yoga mats, hats, bags and so on – were used during the celebrations of the International Yoga Day this year.

According to the artisans here, around 3,000 yoga mats were sold to the Assam government marketed by the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited.

“We are encouraging people to use the locally-available raw materials to boost employment and the outcome has been good so far,” said an entrepreneur.

“Through this venture, people (both men and women) working for the organization is earning between Rs 5,000 to 10,000 every month,” added a local.

Photo: Hemen Raja