Home ›› 22 Feb 2023 ›› Nation
The once-famous cane industry in Sylhet is currently fighting for survival due to the rising cost of raw materials and influx of plastic products.
Cane farmers claimed that industry was on the verge of extinction due to the incursion of contemporary, less expensive wooden and plastic furniture, the use of land for agriculture rather than cane production, and senseless deforestation. Even five or six years ago, after meeting local demand, the district used to export cane furniture.
According to the trade-related sources, various types of canes, locally known as Jali cane, Golla cane and Onna cane were commonly found in the hillocks of the district. But due to mindless hill cutting and deforestation, the canes are hardly ever found in the wild.
Alongside that, the price of other raw materials used in producing cane furniture has significantly risen in the past few years. Manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the cost as demands keep dwindling.
Due to decreased domestic production, canes are being imported from abroad. But the traders are facing losses due to the high cost of import. Many workers are turning to other professions due to the financial crisis.
Farmers stated that Sylhet's cane furniture is in high demand domestically and internationally owing to its quality. Yet, they are unable to produce furniture due to the aforementioned reasons.
At Sylhet city's Ghasitula, there is a Betpalli (a hotspot for cane furniture manufacturing). Maximum cane furniture was produced in this market. The market has now lost its former lustre for many reasons.
Many of the shops at the Betpalli have closed down. The rest are struggling to stay afloat. Most artisans are trying to hold on to the ancestral
business.
Industry experts claimed that over time, the business has been losing ground. Yet, because of their resilience and appealing designs, cane items are still in demand in both domestic and foreign markets.
Some of the cane-made furniture includes chairs, tables, racks, shelves, sofa sets, side tables, armchairs, outdoor chairs, baskets, tools, planters and similar furniture.
Several traders of Ghasitula area said rattan products are very comfortable to use and also attractive to look at. The products are in demand, but due to the high production cost, they are unable to sell them at an affordable price.
The shop owners also said that the availability and cheap price of plastic products have taken over the furniture market. Cane-made furniture has now become a luxury product.
According to industry insiders, about 50 types of rattan furniture are still being produced in a few shops in Sylhet.
Many people nowadays prefer to buy products online. The traders claim that the industry is lagging behind in this regard due to various reasons.
Manufacturers said that if canes are produced again in Sylhet, this industry will be able to turn around. It is possible to earn a significant amount of foreign currency by exporting rattan furniture.
Expressing frustration, the traders said once the sector had a good reputation for its unique quality and competitive prices, but now it is a dying industry. They urged the government for giving subsidies in this section.
The Sylhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s former President Abu Taher Md Shoeb said they are taking initiatives to sustain the cane industry as a traditional art of Sylhet.
CAP_ Furniture sales are going down in cane Sylhet’s shops due to less demand – Rezaul Haque
