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Poor villagers in Meghalaya becoming self reliant by forming cooperative | Residents of Umklai village in Meghalaya have joined hands to float a cooperative society to become self reliant by making various products of daily use from sponge gourds which is locally available in abundance. The society was
formed in 1988 with just 15 members. It has now around 52 members. The enterprise
helps them to curtail their poverty. "This village is poorer in comparison to
other villages, the society helps us to earn our daily livelihood," said Bantei
Pamshong, Manager, Umklai Area Intergated Co-op Society. The cooperative is manufacturing
and marketing a variety of products out of 'sponge gourd' locally known as Sophrew
or Loofahs. Apart from scrubbers made out of Sohprew, the other products include
decorative items such as key rings, pen stands, bathroom slippers and even handbags.
However, the members of the society complain that, lack of financial assistance
has not let them to progress more. "We are manufacturing almost 20 varied items.
So we hope if government supports in this work then automatically the farmers
and villager of this area will develop," said Him Syngkli, Chairman of Umklai
Area Intergated Co-op Society. Workers in the cooperative earn around rupees 150
to 200 per day to maintain their livelihood. The finished products of Sophrew
are sold in the markets of Shillong, and other places such as Jowai and Guwahati.
These items have a price tag between rupees 75 to 145. |
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