1. Introduction
Assam Pani Meteka Craft involves creating products from water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), locally known as “Pani Meteka”.
This aquatic plant is abundant in Assam’s water bodies and is considered one of the most productive plants on Earth.
2. The “Weed to Wealth” Initiative
Historical Perspective: Water hyacinth was previously regarded as a nuisance, often cleared or left unused.
ASRLM Intervention: The Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) recognized its economic potential and initiated a project to transform it into valuable crafts.
Pilot Project: Launched with 600 people across six clusters in Assam:
| Cluster Name | District |
|---|---|
| Pub Mongoldoi | Darrang |
| Kachugaon | Kokrajhar |
| Dolongghat | Nagaon |
| Guijan | Tinsukia |
| Majuli | Majuli |
| Dhemaji | Dhemaji |
Strategic Purpose: Utilizes the abundant availability of water hyacinth, promotes eco-friendly products, provides sustainable livelihoods, and enhances women’s empowerment by enabling them to control the complete value chain of this craft.
3. Training and Support
NEDFi Involvement: The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) provided technical support to enhance skills and productivity.
Skill Development:
Training at the village level.
Advanced training at the NEDFi R&D Center.
Product-specific re-orientation programs.
Common Facility Centers (CFCs): ASRLM established six CFCs to ensure long-term sustainability.
Government Support:
Six products were registered on the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal).
Products were showcased at India Garment Fair & India Home Furnishing Fair (Osaka, Japan).
4. Crafting Process
| Stage | Process Description |
| Harvesting | Collecting water hyacinth from water bodies. |
| Drying | Sun-drying the stems. |
| Flattening | Using machines to flatten the dried fibers. |
| Weaving | Crafting the fibers into various products. |
5. Products
Water hyacinth is used to create various eco-friendly products, including:
| Category | Examples |
| Accessories | Purses, Ladies’ handbags, Jewelry, Head-caps |
| Home Items | Table mats, Laundry baskets, Sets of bags & baskets |
| Office Use | Official folders, File covers, Laptop bags |
| Personal Use | Tiffin bags, Bottle carriers, Yoga mats, Mobile covers |
6. Economic and Environmental Impact
Economic Empowerment:
By March 2020, the initiative generated ₹64,51,824 in income, with an average income of ₹9000 per member.
Sustainable Livelihood: Provides employment opportunities for women in rural Assam.
Environmental Conservation:
Removing water hyacinth helps in water conservation.
Restores aquatic ecosystems by reducing water pollution.
“Weed to Wealth” Concept: The initiative successfully converts an environmental nuisance into an economic resource.
7. GI Tag Information
| Parameter | Details |
| Product Name | Assam Pani Meteka Craft |
| Product Type | Handicraft |
| GI Certificate Awarded | 2024 |
| Significance | Recognized for its cultural and environmental impact |
8. Conclusion
Assam Pani Meteka Craft has transformed an abundant aquatic weed into a source of economic empowerment.
The GI tag ensures its authenticity and recognition in both national and international markets.
The initiative promotes sustainable development, ecological conservation, and rural livelihoods in Assam.