Averma at 01:06, 21 February 2026

2026-02-21T01:06:29Z

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{{Short description|Handicraft of India}}
{{Infobox geographical indication
| name = Assam Pani Meteka Craft
| color = Blue
| logo =
| image = আত্মসহায়ক গোটে তৈয়াৰ কৰা পানী মেটেকাৰ কলমদানি.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Pen holders made from water hyacinth by self-help groups
| alternative names =
| description =
| type = Handicraft
| area = [[Assam]]
| country =[[India]]
| registered =2024
| material =Dried [[Water hyacinth]]
| official website =
}}

'''Assam Pani Meteka Craft''', also known as '''Water hyacinth craft''', is an emerging cottage and handicraft industry in the Indian state of [[Assam]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Assam Bihu Dhol, Jaapi and more: All about All about the 19 Assam items that got GI tag - Assamese products get GI tag |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/assam-bihu-dhol-jaapi-and-more-all-about-all-about-the-19-assam-items-that-got-gi-tag/assam-pani-mateka-craft/slideshow/108944714.cms |access-date=2026-01-02 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref> The craft uses ''Pani Meteka'' (water hyacinth), an invasive aquatic plant, as its primary raw material to produce a wide range of eco-friendly and biodegradable products such as handbags, yoga mats, baskets, furniture items,<ref name=":1" /> and household utilities. The craft has gained recognition for its role in sustainable livelihood generation, particularly among rural women and fishing communities.<ref name="Pib">{{cite web |title= From Weed to Wonder: Water Hyacinth a Swachh Green Resource |url= https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067772&reg=3&lang=2 |website=Press Information Bureau |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>

In 2024, Assam Pani Meteka Craft received [[Geographical Indication]] (GI) registration under the name Assam Pani Meteka Craft, recognizing its uniqueness and traditional association with the region.<ref name="HT">{{cite web |title= 16 items from Assam, including Assamese Dhol, Jaapi get GI tag |url= https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/16-items-from-assam-including-assamese-dhol-jaapi-get-gi-tag-101711879730396.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref>

==Background==
[[File:Water Hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) (28661786773).jpg|thumb|Water Hyacinth]]

Pani Meteka ([[Eichhornia crassipes]]), commonly known as water hyacinth, grows abundantly in Assam's rivers, wetlands, reservoirs, ponds, and household water bodies. For decades, the plant was considered an invasive weed due to its rapid growth, which obstructed waterways and affected aquatic ecosystems. Traditionally, it was either removed and discarded or left unused.

The transformation of Pani Meteka from an environmental nuisance into a valuable raw material began in the late 2000s, when declining availability of bamboo and cane encouraged exploration of alternative natural resources for handicrafts.

==Development==

[[File:Products of Pani Meteka craft 01.jpg|thumb|Exhibition of Products of Pani Meteka craft under CSR initiative of [[Oil India]]]]
In 2008, the [[North Eastern Development Finance Corporation]] (NEDFI) and the [[North Eastern Council]] (NEC) initiated efforts to promote water hyacinth as a handicraft raw material. The programme targeted around 1,000 artisans, focusing on skill development, capacity building, and market linkage support.<ref name="Sentinel">{{cite web | url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/editorial/water-hyacinth-prospects-of-a-thriving-rural-economy-in-the-context-of-assam-559114 | title=WATER HYACINTH: PROSPECTS OF A THRIVING RURAL ECONOMY IN THE CONTEXT OF ASSAM | publisher=Sentinel Assam | date=17 October 2021 | accessdate= 1 January 2026}}</ref>

Subsequently, the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM) adopted Pani Meteka craft as a livelihood activity for self-help groups (SHGs). A pilot project trained approximately 600 artisans across six zones:

* East Mangaldai ([[Darrang district]])
* Kachugaon ([[Kokrajhar district]])
* Dalanghat ([[Nagaon district]])
* Guijan ([[Tinsukia district]])
* Majuli ([[Majuli district]])
* Dhemaji ([[Dhemaji district]]) <ref name="ASRLM">{{cite web | url=https://asrlms.assam.gov.in/frontimpotentdata/asomi-product-water-hyacinth#:~:text=Assam%20is%20rich%20in%20flora,often%20clogs%20slow%2Dflowing%20streams. | title=Water Hyacinth Craft Products under ASOMI® Brand developed by Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission | publisher=ASRLM | accessdate= 1 January 2026 | archivedate=13 March 2024 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313020250/https://asrlms.assam.gov.in/frontimpotentdata/asomi-product-water-hyacinth#:~:text=Assam%20is%20rich%20in%20flora,often%20clogs%20slow%2Dflowing%20streams. }}</ref><ref name="Sentinel"/>

The initiative was initially introduced as a part-time income-generating activity. To ensure quality and scalability, ASRLM collaborated with NEDFI for technical training and capacity development, tailoring programmes to local artisan needs. Over time, many trainees transitioned into full-time production.

During the [[COVID-19]] pandemic, a group of six women known as Simang launched a project called Moorhen, which trained nine traditional communities to produce 100% biodegradable and compostable yoga mats from Pani Meteka. The initiative later expanded to include over 44 fishing communities, highlighting the craft's adaptability and social impact.<ref name="GI">{{cite web | url=https://globalinch.org/article/crafting-water-hyacinth-in-alimur-assam/ | title=Crafting Water Hyacinth in Alimur Assam | publisher=globalinch.con | accessdate=1 January 2026 | author=Richika Agarwalla}}</ref>

In 2021, entrepreneurs Rupankar Bhattacharya and Aniket Dhar from [[Guwahati]] gained recognition for producing printable handmade paper from water hyacinth through their venture ''Kumbhi Paper'', which specializes in chemical-free, biodegradable paper products.<ref name="TAT">{{cite web | url=https://assamtribune.com/assam/this-duo-from-assam-turned-a-troublesome-weed-into-biodegradable-paper-1470873 | title=This duo from Assam turned a troublesome weed into biodegradable paper | publisher=The Assam Tribune | date=8 April 2023 | accessdate=1 January 2026| author=Mumeninaz Zaman}}</ref>

[[File:Water Hyacinth products.jpg|thumb|Water Hyacinth products]]

==Material and Production Process==
The craft primarily uses mature Pani Meteka plants aged 3–4 months. The stems are harvested between July and November, washed thoroughly, and sun-dried for 7–10 days to reduce moisture and enhance flexibility. About 20 stems are tied together to form a bundle.

Once dried, the stems are flattened using a traditional hand-operated two-cylinder roller, although flattening is optional depending on the product. The processed stems are then braided, woven, knitted, or stitched into various forms.<ref name="craft">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZefebxro2o|title=how to make water hyacinth a basket plant|publisher=cọp ti|date=1 January 2021|accessdate=1 January 2021}}</ref>

Natural dyes sourced from forests are used for colouring. The stems are boiled in dye solutions prepared with water and salt, then dried for permanent coloration. Finished products are sometimes burnished with melamine to achieve a glossy appearance.

==Products==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2026}}
Common products made from Pani Meteka include:

* Handbags and money bags
* File covers and pen holders
* Table mats and baskets
* Furniture items
* Yoga mats and floor mats

The yoga mats, in particular, are valued for their comfort, durability, and biodegradability. Most products retain natural beige and earthy tones, reinforcing their identity as eco-friendly handicrafts.

==Socio-economic Impact==
[[File:Women creating products from dried water hyacinth.jpg|thumb|Women creating products from dried water hyacinth]]
The Pani Meteka craft has become a significant livelihood option in rural Assam, especially for women. It requires minimal physical labour, allows home-based work, and reduces dependence on daily wage labour and seasonal migration. The craft has also contributed to environmental management by controlling the spread of water hyacinth through sustainable utilization.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}}

==Geographical indication==
Assam Pani Meteka craft was awarded the [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical Indication]] (GI) status tag from the [[Geographical Indication Registry (India)|Geographical Indications Registry]], under the [[Government of India|Union Government of India]], in 2024.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title= Assam's Bihu Dhol, along with six other traditional crafts, receives GI Tags |url= https://assamtribune.com/assam/assams-bihu-dhol-among-six-other-traditional-crafts-secure-gi-tag-1528266 |website=The Assam Tribune |access-date=1 January 2026}}</ref> Assam Pani Meteka is a registered Geographical Indication handicraft of Assam filed on 26 October 2022 under GI Application Number 1003. It falls under Class 20 and covers handicraft products made from water hyacinth, with registration valid until 25 October 2032.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Indian handicrafts]]
[[Category:Geographical indications in Assam]]

Assam Pani Meteka Craft - Revision history

Averma at 01:06, 21 February 2026