India, March 16 -- BATHINDA

A group of enterprising women from four villages in Punjab and Haryana is mastering the craft of converting rice straw into home decor and sustainable items.

Associated with different self-help groups (SHGs), these women have resolved to promote the initiative that crop waste could become a source of additional income.

Named 'Para Art'- derived from the use of "parali" (paddy straw) in handicrafts - Grant Thornton Bharat, the multinational agency behind the Union government's 'Drone Didi' initiative, is coordinating workshops to introduce the craft to rural women.

Kanta Devi, 37, from Kokri Kalan village in Moga district attended a workshop last month where practical training was imparted to women.

"Every ...