Coconut Shells? Economic Opportunities!
Coconut shells have long been viewed as waste material, but they now offer numerous opportunities for job creation and economic growth. With the right support from the government and the public, they can become a new emerging industry in Odisha, providing multiple benefits. Additionally, coconut shells are eco-friendly and biodegradable, making them an ideal substitute for plastic. With proper backing, this industry has the potential to significantly boost the state economy.
To promote this craft, it requires awareness among people and skilled artisans. Every day, tons of coconut shells are discarded after various uses in Odisha. Given the high consumption of coconut shells in our state, the waste generated is substantial. However, these shells can be utilized for productive purposes and provide employment opportunities for many unemployed individuals. India ranks third in coconut production globally, with Odisha being the fifth largest producer in the country. Despite this, Odisha produces the highest quantity of coconut shell waste among states. Hundreds of tons of shells are wasted daily at temples, restaurants, lassi centers, and households due to a lack of awareness about their potential uses. Proper utilization of these shells has the potential to generate significant revenue and create sustainable self-employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people.
There are primarily four coconut by-products that have wide-ranging usefulness for society: utility products, decorative items, jewelry, and some cosmetics. Compared to other materials, coconut shells are highly eco-friendly and suitable for humanitarian use. They are biodegradable and have no negative impact on the environment, making them an immediate substitute for plastic.
A diverse range of utility products, from bowls to tea kettles, can be crafted from coconut shells. It is believed that using coconut shell utensils for food intake is beneficial for health. Moreover, these products are affordable and easy to use. The tradition of using coconut shells dates back to early ages, further supporting their utility and practicality in modern times.
The demand for coconut shell ornaments is high, particularly among young people, regardless of gender. These ornaments are popular at tourist destinations, with Goa leading in business. However, Odisha has abundant raw materials for such ornaments.
What sets these ornaments apart is their ability to absorb sweat and remove body odor without causing irritation. They offer users an elegant and traditional appearance. In addition to ornaments, decorative items made from coconut shells are also well-received by the public, resembling other handicrafts in attractiveness.
Moreover, coconut shell charcoal is utilized for making face masks and mosquito repellent incense sticks. Despite the myriad possibilities, the coconut shell craft industry in Odisha faces numerous challenges.
About its challenges, shell craftsman Devi Prashad Dash says, “It is the emerging industry of the state. This industry can change the economical condition of many needy people. The advantage of this craft is that the raw material is easily and plentily available in Odisha. But the biggest challenge is that people of Odisha are not aware of its use. Hence after use of nuts they destroy the shell. This is how every day we lose tons of raw material for this craft, which could have been generating income for many.” “Hybrid coconut shells are not suitable to make craft, but here most of the coconut trees are not hybrid and they are completely fit for all these craft making. Yet we are facing challenges due to lack of awareness among the people. Because we cannot make crafts with an oddly broken shell, we need to educate people to break it properly so that it can be used further and also they can get money from a waste product,” he added further. Sharing further insights he said, “Other states are reaping substantial revenue from this craft by providing training to artisans in shell craft making. This enables them to innovate with designs and products, adding value to their offerings and maintaining a strong market presence. Unfortunately, we are lagging behind due to a lack of support, despite having ample raw materials.”
It's evident that despite our abundant natural resources and skilled workforce, we are missing out on a significant opportunity for revenue generation. By implementing small initiatives, our government can introduce yet another craft into our culture, offering multiple benefits to our society.
