Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari - Design Clinic Scheme

Summation of observations and suggested measures
Observations
• Poor quality - loose fibres, cracking of masala, varying thicknesses of
rolled sticks, varying lengths, non-uniform application of masala along
length, varying thicknesses of bamboo stick cores
PRODUCT
• Need exposure to better quality products
• Must improve quality for better prices
• Better training required
Suggestions
Observations
• Inadequate training in rolling methods and mixing of raw ingredients
• No quality checks for consistency of product
• Poor posture - lack of ergonomically designed tools and workstations
• No awareness of quality standards
• Poor infrastructure in terms of space availability and usage.
• Lack of financial support
• No knowledge of account keeping
• Inadequate reimbursement for efforts
• Interest in growth but poor awareness and lack of access to information
UNIT
Suggestions
• The proprietor or master artisan needs to be trained well, so as to
further improve the skills of her team
• Member(s) to be trained in Quality Control
• Observation of postures and workstations adopted in other cultures,
and to implement the same
• Courses in account-keeping, increased awareness of loans and schemes
by the state governments, especially for women run businesses
• Better reimbursement or standardisation of rates per kg of product
• Periodic meetings by design/marketing agency for inputs and updates
Observations
• No dedicated training establishment
• Lack of trained labour; seasonal labour availability as all hands are
required on the fields during planting and harvesting season
• Fulfils requirement of first level of supply chain - rolling raw sticks. No
scenting or packaging. Implementation of scenting process adds value to
the product and will help fetch better prices.
• Lack of a cohesive growth plan - can implement agarbatti rolling as a
community building and upliftment exercise. Currently, small units
jobwork for BISP, but due to inadequate reimbursements, they are
attempting to retail in local markets
• No tie-up with established brands or buyers.
CLUSTER
Suggestions
• Establish a nodal agency for training and development
• Fix rates per kg of raw and finished material
• Initiate research into the scenting process - try to establish scents unique
to the region as USP of the product
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N.A.S for Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari | 2013 | Mridul Mitra, Design Consultant | Email: mridul.mitra@gmail.com