Khetikhan, a picturesque village nestled in the Uttarakhand hills at an impressive altitude of 1815 meters, offers breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas and expansive pine forests. Traditionally, the village thrived on cattle rearing and agriculture, but challenges like climate change, erratic rainfall, and wild boar disturbances have hindered their progress. Also, the abundance of pine needles in the area poses a major risk of forest fire.
Turning this risk into an opportunity for the region, Dr Nupur Poharkar initiated PIRUL Handicraft as a Fellowship project with SBI Foundation’s Youth for India program, to revolutionize the way pine waste is managed. Recognizing the potential impact of the project on local communities, she was later joined by her sister, Sharvari Poharkar, a textile designer from NIFT, to scale up the initiative for the rural women of Khetikhan and surrounding villages. With a shared vision of inclusive growth and a desire to make a difference, the sisters actively lead the enterprise, empowering women and addressing environmental challenges caused by pine needles.
PIRUL Handicraft’s Approach:
By collecting and processing the pine needles, the PIRUL initiative creates a variety of exquisite craft items such as baskets, mats, and decorative pieces. The skilled artisans of PIRUL Handicraft transform the seemingly worthless waste into valuable commodities, imbuing them with creativity and artistry. It is also successful in tackling environmental issues, with the upcycling process removing approximately 2000 kg of pine needles monthly.
Empowering Women and Creating Livelihood Opportunities:
One of the core objectives of PIRUL Handicraft is to empower women in the region by providing them with an alternate livelihood. By imparting training and skill development, the initiative equips women with the necessary craftsmanship techniques to earn additional income of INR 5000-7000 depending on the orders received. By connecting these artisans to a larger consumer base, PIRUL Handicraft opens up new avenues for income generation, ensuring a consistent demand for their creations and a sustainable income in return. It aims to train around 100 rural women in 2023 in the Kumaon region and empower them with the skill set.
PIRUL Handicraft serves as a shining example of how innovative thinking can address environmental challenges while empowering marginalized communities. By transforming pine waste into beautiful craft items, this initiative provides women in Khetikhan and the nearby villages of Tyarsun, Pati, Pamda, and Jhulaghat, with an alternative livelihood, economic independence, and a platform for self-expression. Through their remarkable efforts, PIRUL Handicraft not only beautifies the surroundings but also creates a sustainable future for both the environment and the local community.
An initiative by : SBI YFI Fellow Dr. Nupur Pohalkar.
