Midnapore, July 5 -- At a time when rural West Bengal is searching for greener and more resilient livelihood options, a women's college in West Midnapore district has turned to an age-old forest resource - sabai grass, to prepare students for the future.
Introducing the students to the possibilities of sustainable entrepreneurship, the Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College here has provided hands-on training to 160 sixth-semester undergraduate students in converting Sabai grass (Eulaliopsis binata) into a variety of eco-friendly products. These included ropes, table mats, flower baskets, pen stands, flower pots, tea coasters, jugs and vegetable baskets.
The practical sessions were led by experienced artisans, who demonstrated techniques f...