Sar-i-Pul shawl sewing industry on path to progress

SAR-I-PUL (Pajhwok): The shawl sewing industry has been developed tremendously in the northern Sar-i-Pul province but the manufacturer demanded a suitable market and allocation of more funds to further promote handicraft industry.

Quilt, blankets, pillow, jackets and gloves were among other domestic handicrafts, which were being produced by many families at their homes. The cotton and silk threads were used for making most of the handicrafts.

Bibi Arzo, a handicraft worker, said she inherited making blankets from her elders, saying she sews one blanket in a week which helps him earn decent amount.

She said: “We get orders from and then sew as per customers demand. Handicraft is a difficult work and needs time and patience.”

A domestically made shawl costs 3,400 afghanis and the price of a blanket stands at 4,000 afghanis, she said, adding that the prices of products vary.

She complained lack of thread had been affecting their work and people of the locality could not afford to buy thread because of rampant poverty.

Mohammad Nabi, a shopkeeper who owns a shawl selling shop in Sar-i-Pul City, said there was great demand of the shawls but the persistent and unending political crisis badly affected the businesss.

Aziz Gul, a customer who was intending to buy a shawl and a blanket, said that handmade products were useful and long lasting. Gul said that their quality was better than other products.

Traditionally relatives of newly married couples buy appliances and other house hold stuff, including blankets, shawl, pillow and mattresses as a gift, such trends had enhanced value of the handicrafts, Gul added.

Nasima Arzo, director of women affairs, said handicraft products had witnessed marked improvement in recent years. Beside locals, foreign national had great interest in buying home made products.

“Last year, I bought a handicraft gift for one of my friends, which was much appreciated,” she said.

She said back in 2010, a project for development of handicraft was launched in the province by World Food Programme (WFP) which benefited locals especially women who were associated with the business.

She demanded foreign and local donors to extend more support to further develop the handicraft industry in the province, which would help bolster national economy in the long-run.

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