PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF BAMBOO BASED INDUSTRY: A STUDY OF UNORGANISED BAMBOO SECTOR IN KERALA

Funding Agency: Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development, Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram.

The traditional bamboo weaving is an important forest based small-scale processing enterprise sector. This sector is spread through out the State. Its scattered and disaggregated nature creates many difficulties for those depending on this sector. The operation of this sector is characterised by the dominance of intermediaries and in efficient functioning of institutions, which results in the exploitation of weavers by the intermediaries. The present project had envisaged to analyse the processes and interaction among intermediaries, institutions and workers that is essential for designing effective management policies to reduce exploitation and to enhance the standard of living of the workers of the traditional bamboo sector. The major objective of the study was to understand the problems of household bamboo processing in Kerala and it also attempted to investigate the possibility of improving value addition in different stages of production so as to improve the living standards of the people involved.

The project involved both primary and secondary data collection. Sample surveys using pre-tested schedules were carried out for collection of information on the production pattern, different stages of production, product mix, raw materials requirement, mode of marketing, involvement of institutions and other socio-economic aspects. The Rapid Appraisal Techniques such as participant observation, observational surveys and interviews were carried out to study the relationship among agents, workers and institutions. Secondary information from various agencies were also collected to supplement primary data and to trace the process of changes in the traditional bamboo industry in Kerala. Through this study, data regarding the price of raw materials, type of products, employment potential, roll of the women and other family members weaving and other activities, marketing of final products etc were collected. It also points to the role of agents and intermediaries in purchase and marketing of products and also looks into the potential of institutions like co-operative societies. The study recommends the need of extension of service of present institutional mechanism to support the existing unorganised groups in this sector and also the governmental mechanism essential in this regard.