Bastar villagers are making brooms themselves from Karla grass and saving money Villagers in Bastar are crafting their own brooms using natural Karla grass instead of buying them from the market, helping them save thousands of rupees. Villagers residing across the Bastar region rely heavily on local forests and fields to fulfill their daily requirements. For household cleaning purposes, instead of purchasing brooms from the market, residents utilize a special type of grass known locally as Karla lata. The villagers skillfully craft functional brooms themselves using this readily available natural resource. Zero cost and natural cultivation This unique grass grows naturally in the fields or can be cultivated by villagers in their home gardens. When planted during the monsoon season, the crop becomes ready for harvesting by the time winter arrives. The most remarkable aspect of growing this grass is that it requires absolutely no chemical fertilizers, nor do residents need to spend any money to cultivate it. Sharing insights into the harvesting process, local resident Sonyal explained that he had planted Karla grass in a portion of his courtyard during the rainy season. With the onset of winter, the grass has fully matured, and harvesting work is currently underway. Significant financial savings for households Sonyal noted that approximately 50 brooms can be manufactured from this harvest. In the open market, a single broom typically costs between 40 to 50 rupees. Growing this resource at home comfortably fulfills the household broom requirement for one to two years. Utilizing around 50 homemade brooms over a two-year period translates to direct savings of approximately 2,000 rupees. Complete reliance on natural resources Even today, the rural communities of Bastar depend extensively on local and natural resources to sustain their daily lives with minimal means. The primary advantage of Karla lata is that its cultivation demands no monetary investment or artificial manure. Villagers harvest this vegetation as needed from fields and courtyards, transforming it into durable cleaning tools through traditional methods. What this means for you This natural practice offers tangible financial benefits for villagers in Bastar, leading to direct savings on essential household expenses. • In Chhattisgarh: Families living in rural regions avoid purchasing expensive store-bought items. This method strengthens local self-reliance among villagers and smallholders. • In Bastar: Residents save approximately 2,000 rupees annually by utilizing natural Karla grass. This traditional practice provides households with a zero-cost solution for everyday cleaning needs. Why this happened Traditional methods like this are adopted in rural Bastar due to a reliance on natural resources and financial constraints. Limited access to commercial market products and the need for household savings drive this practice. • Geographical factors: The rural terrain of Bastar features abundant natural vegetation and fertile soil, which naturally supports the growth of native grasses like Karla. • Zero-investment growth: Cultivating this grass requires no chemical fertilizers or artificial irrigation systems, allowing villagers to produce it without any upfront spending. • Traditional knowledge: Passed down through generations, local expertise enables residents to effectively utilize the produce of nearby fields and forests. Questions & Answers 1. What is Karla grass called in the local language? Karla grass is locally referred to as Karla lata. 2. During which season is Karla grass sown? This grass is sown during the monsoon season. 3. How many brooms did Sonyal state can be made from the harvested grass? Sonyal stated that approximately 50 brooms can be made from this grass. 4. How much money is saved by making brooms from Karla grass? Using 50 brooms over a two-year period can save approximately 2,000 rupees. 5. What is the price of a single broom in the market? A single broom in the market typically costs between 40 and 50 rupees. Inspiration & Lessons The lifestyle of Bastar villagers sets a unique example of self-reliance and excellent management amidst limited resources. • Embrace self-reliance: Fulfilling everyday needs independently is possible by properly utilizing local and natural resources. • Reduce expenses: Avoiding unnecessary purchases by using items available around the home helps increase household savings. • Connect with nature: Sustainable living can be achieved by respecting and properly utilizing the natural elements present in the environment. https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/bastar-ke-gramin-karla-ghas-se-khud-taiyar-kar-rahe-hain-jhadu-59697 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.