WAYANAD: Various multinational agencies would soon sell the spices from the state for their premium customers in national and international markets in a book-shaped bamboo box named ‘Book of Spices’ made at Uravu, an initiative of environmental activists in Wayanad.
Uravu has been promoting bamboo industry contributing over 100 utility products to the industry apart from routine handicrafts mementos meant for the tourism industry.
The Book of Spices contains up to ten varieties of spices all neatly packed. However, the makers refused to reveal the cost of the book as discussions were on with an international client. Uravu, which imparts training in bamboo craft, has been producing an array of about 150 items which cater to the needs of city folk.
Promoting bamboo industry is also needed environmentally as the bamboo cluster decays every 12 years. Such dry clusters trigger wild fires across forest stretches.
The products from Uravu kitty range from bamboo- based construction material to tiny bamboo torches, lamp shades, pens, slides and what not.
“The major hit among our products is bamboo blinds which have a steady demand in cosmopolitan cities, ” said C. Surendran of Uravu.” Though we are focusing more on training, the government is yet to encourage us with a healthy bamboo policy,” he adds.
“Though we are ready to make anything out of bamboo, we are yet to improve our marketing network,” said Surendran and added that Uravu was busy exploring ways for expanding the customer base.
A few years back, pappadkuthi of Uravu, a pointed bamboo stick used while frying pappad, was the most sought-after item by housewives.
