Shillong, May 1: The Commerce and Industries Department conducted a 15-day executive course focused on bamboo jewellery making in Thyllaw village under Mawsynram block to equip participants with the skills necessary to create intricate and beautiful bamboo jewellery pieces.
Under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, a significant initiative was recently launched to promote the art of bamboo jewellery making. This initiative not only supports artisans but also introduces new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
The programme was implemented in collaboration with knowledge partner Neera Sarmah Foundation.
Thyllaw is a beautiful and remote village, nestled amidst nature’s bounty and endowed with abundant natural resources, particularly bamboo. The village artisans have traditionally been engaged in bamboo-based handicrafts, with broomsticks and basketry being the primary products. These crafts have long reflected the community’s cultural heritage and close relationship with nature.
Through this training programme, traditional artisans were introduced to the art of bamboo jewellery making, which has now emerged as an exotic and value‑added addition to their existing range of crafts. The participants received hands-on training in jewellery design, bamboo processing techniques, finishing, and market-oriented product development.
The newly acquired skills are expected to not only diversify and enhance the artisans’ craft portfolio but also make bamboo-based livelihoods more lucrative and sustainable. By moving beyond traditional products to high‑value bamboo jewellery, the artisans are better positioned to access wider markets and earn improved incomes, thereby strengthening local entrepreneurship.
The programme forms part of the broader objectives of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP), which is sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and co‑sponsored by the World Bank.
