Heho Village locals get a new source of livelihood

Bamboo products are displayed at a handicraft fair.

Yangon October 25

Bamboo handicrafts from six hill-side villages of Letmaungkwe Village-tract, eight miles from Heho Township in southern Shan State have received increasing orders from Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, according to Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID).

A total of 40 buyers from those three towns have placed an order for 100 tea sets which is sold for Ks-12,000 to Ks-15,000 per set including a kettle, tray and cups.

“We have seen an increase in orders for bamboo handicrafts from Letmaungkwe villages. We plan to send the orders in the first week of November since it is still raining now. Now, locals have got a new source of income,” said U Soe Naing Htay, local staff member of MIID in Nyaunshwe Township.

At present, local villagers still do not have access to techniques for making bigger bamboo furniture, but are selling smaller bamboo handicrafts via online. “A bamboo craftsman from Inle has taught those who are interested in it. Bamboo flower vases are also being sold well,” said a local of Letmaungkwe Villagetract.

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMD) and MIID jointly provided training in bamboo handicraft making to over 100 villagers from four hill-side villages in Letmaungkwe Village-tract in March, April and August.

There are 400 households in those villages which have to rely on rainwater for agriculture and drinking and mainly grow cauliflower, bamboo, banana and cabbage.

The Myawady Daily