Weaving Livelihoods: Challenges and Prospects for Rural Shital Pati Artisans

Abstract Shital Pati (or Sital Pati) is a traditional handicraft of Cooch Behar district, which is handwoven from thin strips of the Maranta dichotoma plant. This mat is comfortable to sit or lie on in hot and humid weather, as it provides a cool feeling. The villages of Ghughumari, Barokodali and Nakkati-Pushandanga in Cooch Behar are the main centres of this industry. In 2017, Shital Pati of Cooch Behar was recognised as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage' by UNESCO. However, the artisans of this industry are still facing financial difficulties and need government support to sustain their livelihood. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the artisans have demanded a GI tag for Shital Pati, which could help protect the industry and expand the market. Migration from rural areas is quite prevalent in developing countries like India, as villagers often seek more profitable sources of income. Many farmers today are dissatisfied with their agricultural output and struggle to move beyond subsistence-level livelihoods. In this context, Shital Pati (cool mat) weaving has emerged as a promising enterprise for the creation of sustainable livelihoods in West Bengal's Cooch Behar area. With this in mind, a study was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024 in the villages of Ghogomali, Dholuabari, Deochorai, Barokodali, and Dhalpal in the Cooch Behar district. The objective was to understand Shital Pati weavers' perceptions of entrepreneurship in cool mat weaving. A total of 50 randomly selected respondents were chosen for the study, with 10 participants from each village. A planned interview schedule was used to gather primary data, while local panchayat leaders provided secondary data, intermediaries, literature, research articles, and online resources. The study found that many farmers had turned to Shital Pati weaving as a secondary agricultural activity to earn better remuneration and sustainably enhance their socioeconomic status.