Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Feb 18: A couple, who lost their jobs during Covid pandemic, found out a new living by producing beautiful handicrafts from coconuts shells.

Sachindra and Jayalaxmi couple, residents of Kukkaje in Ira village of Bantwal are the ones who are drawing attention of public through their unique handicrafts.

Sachindra was a mason. During the Covid lockdown, he did not have work and the family faced severe hardship. Sachindra started manufacturing cement flower pots. But did not find much success.

Jayalaxmi, wife of Sachindra started making handicrafts from coconut shells. In the beginning she manufactures items that were required for household use and later got demand for the same from public.

Earlier, the couple were cutting the coconuts shells and decorating them by hand. Later they Mandara Sanjivini loan from government and bought some machines.

Jayalaxmi took a loan of Rs 75,000. Most of the work is done by the machines. As her husband met with accident at his place of work, he had to be at home for many months. Both of them worked together and produced various kinds of lamps, sanitizer bottles and ants of huge size.

The hanging pots produced by the couple are the centre of attraction. They buy coconut shells from the agriculturists in the vicinity. They have started producing hanging lights for electrical bulbs and it will be released into the market in a few days.

The couple lacked marketing technique. Now their coconut shell art which began as an alternative in the Covid pandemic has turned into a small industry. The government should recognize this couple and encourage them more by helping to market their products through the handicrafts department.