Water hyacinth project under ASRLM makes headway

GUWAHATI: The water hyacinth project being implemented by the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), an agency set up by the panchayat and rural development department for livelihood support in rural areas, has made satisfactory progress in a year’s time.
The two-year project which began in August 2017 aims to introduce water hyacinth craft as a source of sustainable livelihood in rural areas primarily targeting women beneficiaries for their economic empowerment.
As of now, 600 self-help group members are involved under the project across six blocks in six districts – Kokrajhar, Darrang, Nagaon, Dhemaji, Majuli and Tinsukia – in the state.
Technical training and capacity building programmes have been designed specific to the requirement of the artisans on water hyacinth craft in order to enhance their skills and productivity.
Between March and November 2018, we have posted a sales revenue of Rs 27lakh from the sale of various water hyacinth products in trade fairs and exhibitions across the region and country,” Dhrubajyoti Gogoi, state project manager, (livelihoods and marketing), ASRLM, told The Shillong Times on Tuesday.
ASRLM is currently organising the fifth edition of the SARAS Fair here where SHG members have put up a stall displaying a variety of products made from water hyacinth.
“On an average, an SHG member engaged in the project earns Rs 1500 per month. Apart from economic empowerment, the project has helped in conservation of water and rejuvenation of environment as water hyacinth is a weed that destroys wetlands,” Gogoi said.