A 15-day-long Livelihood Skill Development Programme on the crafts of Kouna (water hyacinth ) has been launched under the sponsorship of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) at Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leiaki, Imphal East District, organized by People's Development Society, Imphal East.
The programme began on July 8 and will conclude on July 22. About 30 women, including young girls, are participating in it.
Master Craft and renowned Kouna (Schoenoplectus Acutus) craft instructor Akhom Rasho Singh is imparting training to the participants between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The training aims to develop the skills of women in rural areas by way of forming self help group (SHG) clusters and getting them to engage in productive works.
Women are being trained in the making of Kouna mats, mattress, jewellery boxes, bags, purses and flower bases, etc.