Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
Women from self-help groups in the Terai region are gearing up to produce handmade sola flowers, which will soon find their way into international markets. Trainers from West Bengal are scheduled to arrive in the region to teach the women the art of crafting these unique flowers, providing them with a new avenue for self-employment and financial independence.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Babli Koranga, treasurer of the Shiv Shakti Self-Help Group in Jawahar Nagar of Pantnagar in district Udham Singh Nagar. Babli first encountered sola flower artisans during a visit to her maternal home in Kolkata last September. Impressed by their craftsmanship, she envisioned bringing the art form to the women of her region.
“After returning, I discussed the idea with women from other self-help groups, including Gyanmoorti, Jagriti Mahila, and Pooja Mahila groups. As of now, twenty women agreed to take part in the training,” said Babli.
The flowers, made from the root of the cassava plant, commonly known as tapioca, are crafted by cutting its stem and using thread to create delicate floral designs. Raw materials will be sourced from West Bengal, and the final products will be marketed domestically and internationally, with Germany being a primary export destination.
“These flowers are in high demand for home décor, wedding ceremonies, and event decorations. Their international appeal means they will fetch higher prices abroad,” Babli added.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the economic condition of women in the region. “This training will empower women to achieve financial self-reliance and improve their livelihoods. We also plan to adopt online trading platforms to market and sell their products globally, ensuring steady demand for their handmade sola flowers,” she said.
