New Delhi: Eco-friendly products are a rage at the Trade Fair-2019 going on at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. From home décor, slippers, bags to several other items on display at the fair are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner. One of the stalls showcasing such natural products was at the pavilion of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The stall had products made from natural fibre extracted from water hyacinth and screwpine plants. Coasters, mats, bags, basket, dustbin, accessory boxes and cushion covers were some of the products on display at the stall.
One of the reasons for promotion of these products is that they are made by differently abled people and rural women.
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Sharath, a seller at the shop, said, “Water hyacinth, found in backwaters of Kerela, is generally considered a nuisance. It creates problems for fishermen as well as boatmen. This is one of the reasons behind our choice. Our use of the plants would be good for the environment.”
He further said that since the two plants are found in abundance in the region, they are utilised in making the products.
The entire process of making the products from the plants, collecting and harvesting the plants, removing leaves and roots from them, drying under sun, dyeing, weaving and finally stitching, takes about 10-12 days’ time. Sometimes, drying the plants alone takes one week to ten days, depending upon the availability of adequate sunlight.
“Our dyes are government approved and hence are not hazardous for health,” said Sharath.
“Our main goal of setting up the stall is to educate people on using products made of natural and organic resources rather than artificial raw materials like plastic or polythene which are harmful for health and environment,” Sharath explained adding that he was expecting bulk orders for his products from prospective customers.
As for the price range of the products, it starts with Rs. 150 for a pen stand and goes up to Rs. 1,200 for a cushion cover.
