ICAR-CCARI, Goa Organizes Training Programme on Skill Development and Livelihood Enhancement through Bamboo Craft and Value Addition for Women Artisans

ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, organized a three-day “Training Programme on Skill Development and Livelihood Enhancement through Bamboo Craft and Value Addition for Bamboo Artisans” from 28 to 30 September 2026 at ICAR-KVK, Goa. The programme was organized under the ICAR Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), with a focus on strengthening the skills and livelihood opportunities of SC bamboo artisans.

During the valedictory programme, Dr Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, emphasized the need to revive bamboo arts and crafts, particularly among the younger generation, and highlighted their potential for generating additional income and supporting part-time livelihoods. He stressed the importance of value addition, product diversification, market creation and tourism linkages, along with continued skill development and capacity building for artisans.

The training highlighted the potential of bamboo crafts as a means of enhancing livelihoods, with emphasis on collective efforts through self-help groups to improve production, value addition, and marketing of bamboo-based products.

A major focus of the programme was intensive hands-on practical training. Participants were trained in bamboo sliver preparation and finishing, as well as the making of round and hexagonal/bell-shaped hanging lamps, bamboo hair clips, and baskets for fruits, flowers, and other applications. The practical sessions covered various aspects of bamboo processing, including preparation, cutting, shaping, weaving, assembly, and finishing. This enabled participants to develop skills for creating diversified, value-added, and market-oriented bamboo products.

The programme also emphasized the cultural and traditional significance of bamboo in Goa and the importance of integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary product development and value addition. The potential for developing a distinctive “Goan Bamboo” brand was highlighted as a strategy to promote locally made bamboo products, strengthen artisan livelihoods, and expand market opportunities.

The programme concluded with participant interaction and feedback, followed by the distribution of certificates and essential craft-making inputs, including buckets for lamp moulding and combination stones for bamboo craft and finishing, enabling participants to continue practicing and applying the skills acquired during the training.

A total of 28 women artisans from different parts of Goa participated in the training programme.

(Source: ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa)