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Shital P­­­­­­ati industry faces downturn in production


Bangladeshpost
Published : 10 Aug 2020 12:34 AM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 10:12 AM

Tanzinul Haque Ruman, Tangail 

Famous Shital Pati (cooling mat) industry is facing a downturn in production for various reasons.  

Shital Pati (cooling mat) has been a household name in traditional Bengal for ages that gives peace to tired and weary people in extreme heat. Once upon a time, every house had the use of this cooling carpet. But over time, the scenario is changed. And so the people involved in this industry are going through hard times now.

For example, in Delduar upazila of Tangail, the profession of the former men of this cooling mat industry is under threat in this upazila, which is famous for its cooling mats. Recently, this picture has been seen by visiting several famous Shital Pati villages including Hinganagar, Gazibari, Atia and Nallapara in Delduar Upazila. The hand-made mat (Pati) artisans are weaving pati at home, cutting cane and many are busy taking it to the market. All in all, they are very busy.

Shital Pati traders said they had to keep their hands folded for a long time except during the hot season. At this time the work of weaving increased. With the intensity of the heat, the mats continue to be sold and grown. The biggest problem of this profession is the financial crisis of Hinganagar village which is involved in the cooling mat industry.

Besides, many people are changing their profession now due to the decline in the cultivation of raw cane. Traders from different parts of the country come to the village to buy cooling mats.

Shital-Pati made in Delduar upazila  is sold  for Tk. 5000-6000. There is still quite a demand across the country. But due to lack of capital, the cooling mat industry is not going to expand, said Utpal Kar.  Generally, two days a week the hat is held on Fridays and Saturdays at Shital Pati Hat in Hinganagar village. Wholesalers buy rugs from this market and sell them in different parts of the country. 

The current condition of Shital Pati has kept pace with the rise in commodity prices but the price of Pati has not increased. Due to this, those involved in this industry will have to face the problem.

If a fair market system is created, it is possible to meet the demand of the country and export it. And a lot of profit can be earned from this.