Rural Technologies

Bamboo communities are majorly involved in weaving, furniture / product making and trading of ready products as well as bamboo as raw material. But the communities face several problems in pursuit of this trade. Few of the problems are – lack of new design inputs, ergonomic considerations and other modern features as required in the contemporary furniture market. Apart from this the artisans are unaware of new technology and methods of treatment of bamboo for protection against insects/fungus etc. and also natural dyeing methods. Industrial Design center (IDC) of IIT Bombay has been involved with artisans from villages in Kudal in Konkan and Wadsa in Gadchiroli to improve bamboo product making as well as to design and develop new and contemporary products. Faculty members as well as many students in IDC have been working in this sector.