Traditional Bamboo Crafts Facing Decline Amidst Rising Plastic Usage

Dhangadhi: The traditional crafts made from bamboo and nigalo choya, deeply rooted in rural traditions, are encountering a significant displacement. Recent advancements in technology have introduced plastic materials into the market, leading to a gradual replacement of the original bamboo and nigalo materials.

Locals have observed a diminishing usage of bamboo and nigella-based products, which were traditionally utilized for various household purposes such as grain storage, fertilizer containers, grass, firewood, as well as for carrying sticks and apples. Thakkar Vick from Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city-11, Shivshakti toll of Kailali, highlighted the crisis faced by craftsmen as plastic and zinc sheet products flood the market, overshadowing traditional bamboo crafts.

At 46 years of age, Vick has been crafting bamboo products for over 25 years, expressing concerns over the recent decline in demand for bamboo-made goods. He lamented that despite the durability and strength of bamboo materials, customers tend to prefer cheaper plastic alternatives. Vick, who supports a family of seven through his craft, emphasized the challenges in sustaining a livelihood in this profession amidst diminishing earnings and lack of interest from younger generations.

Local resident Pauni Kami echoed similar sentiments, noting the difficulty in selling bamboo goods due to the prevalence of cheap plastic alternatives flooding the market. He recalled a time when bamboo crafts provided a steady income, contrasting it with the current situation where bamboo products struggle to find buyers.

Khem Bahadur Wik emphasized the importance of preserving traditional skills amidst the rising dominance of plastic materials, suggesting that government intervention in marketing local products could alleviate the decline in demand for bamboo crafts.

Rup Bahadur Kunwar, ward president of Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city-11, pledged to prioritize the protection of professions reliant on traditional skills, advocating for the promotion of local products and local production in purchasing decisions.