In a move to bolster employment in Manipur, the water hyacinth, an intrusive plant species that has invaded the waters of Imphal, is being creatively used to produce decorative and daily-use objects.
Water hyacinths, called 'kabakong' in Manipuri language, are native to the Amazon basin region.
The large violet flowers form a floating mat that chokes marine life and reduce fish population. Instead of removing these plants and throwing them away as waste, they are used to make interesting products.
At the forefront of this movement to use the water hyacinths, is an Imphal-based self-help group called Water Hyacinth Crafts Centre where like-minded trainees come together to create products and train people who are willing to learn.
"I established this centre on October 22, 2013, after being trained by Akhom Rasho Singh from NEDFI (North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited) for 10 days. Instead of staying at home, we learned this skill which benefits us so that we can earn money and take care of our families," said the secretary of the centre, Kharibam Sarju Chanu .
The centre has created a wide variety of products such as bags, baskets, cushions, flower pots, which fetch them anywhere between rupees 200 (USD 3.392) to rupees 1800 (USD 30.53).
Each member of the group earns around rupees 10,000 (USD 169.654) per month because the products are a favourite with residents as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which export them to other states.