Rajbiraj, November 6

Bamboo artisans in Maleth-2 of Rajbiraj, who make bamboo products for a living, are struggling to survive despite the increasing demand for such products in Saptari.

Birendra Marik of Maleth–2 used to earn his living selling various bamboo products. But this year, he could not buy bamboo on time due to financial crunch. He said bamboo items like chhiti, changera, supali and koniya, among others, were in high demand during the Chhath festival.

“We didn’t have money to buy bamboo and make such items on time. We could not earn money during Chhath this year,” said Birendra’s wife Rekha.

There are five Marik families residing in Maleth VDC, three kilometres away from the district headquarters Rajbiraj. Making bamboo products is Birendra’s ancestral profession. “My father Sukdev and grandfather Gujai also earned their living by selling bamboo products,” he said.

“It was hard for us to manage two meals a day during my grandfather’s and father’s days. Despite the skills we have and high demand of bamboo products in the market, we have to struggle for survival due to poverty,” lamented Birendra.

The locals said bamboo was too costly and they barely made any profit by selling the products.

“We need at least Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 to begin the business, but we usually only have Rs 500 to Rs 600,” said Birendra. They also demanded loan from the government at a low interest rate, but till date have not received any form of aid.