Jhalkathi’s Nalcity upazila’s traditional Shitalpati makers have begun to return to their glory days. Many of them have received government training, so the artisans who turned their backs have started to return to work again. At present, they have been able to increase their income by making new materials besides making Shitalpati. At present, about 1000 people are directly and indirectly involved in this profession. It is not only their occupation but they are also the holders and carriers of a traditional commodity. Lately, they have started dreaming again after receiving government training.
Jhalkathi’s branding products are listed in the list of traditional Shitalpati, which is popular with people all over the country. However, due to high labor cost, easy availability of plastic products, the sales are decreasing due to forced people involved in this profession have chosen other professions. At one time, more than two thousand people were engaged in this profession in Patikar Para, located in Kamdevpur and Gopalpur villages of Mollarhat Union of Nalchiti Upazila of the district. The eco-friendly and health-friendly sheets made by them were exported across the borders of the country and abroad. However, with the passage of time, many people have been forced to give up the centuries-old profession of fathers and grandfathers due to the decrease in the demand for Shitalpati due to the rush of modern products.
Veteran craftsman Vivekananda said, Our people here have been engaged in this profession since approximately five hundred years ago, but the time may be more than that. Currently 200 families and their members are involved in this profession. Out of which more than half are women artisans. Earlier it was more but due to various problems many families have given up this profession. The male members of the family cut and process the Shitalpati material by cutting the Paitra tree from the land. Then the women members weave Shitalapati with it.
He further said, it would be great for us if the government would give us interest-free loans. Because the raw material for making Shitalpati, the Paitra tree, requires big drums for processing and sharp and heavy tools for cutting. Besides, we cannot plant any other agricultural crops on our land where we have pitra trees. We would have benefited if we got an interest-free loan to repay it and the old traditional product Shitalpati would have survived proudly.
Patishilpa Malti Rani said, we are connected with this profession from generation to generation, even though my mother-in-law is over sixty years old, she can still weave Shitalpati. But now it is difficult to run our family. Because Shitalpati is not in demand like before. But now we are officially trained. So we also make coolers, tissue boxes, pen holders, ladies bags. Through this we are getting additional income. Besides, through the training, some new designs of Shitalpati have been taught, which if made, the demand for our rugs will increase. So now we are trying to be financially sound. All in all, if the sales are good, then we will have a good day again.
Businessman Sandeep Chandra said, I collect different types of Shitalpati made by local carpet makers and sell them in different parts of the country. Among which there are various big shopping malls of Dhaka. They also sell them outside the country. An average of 15-20 lakh rupees worth of Shitalapati is produced here every month. Now they are making cool mats as well as some other items which are in great demand and sales are also good. If the government gives a little more attention, Shitalpati will fully regain its lost glory and the artisans will also have a better grip on their profession. Shitalpati will play a good role in earning foreign exchange if sales can be increased abroad through promotion.
Nalchiti Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Nazrul Islam said that the government is working to promote and promote all traditional products. In that continuation, 60 patisiers of Nalchiti upazila have been given training on the improvement of patisi industry by the initiative of SME Foundation. Upazila administration is there for them in any need.
Visits: 4
