Bamboo Incense Stick Cluster, Nalbari - Design Clinic Scheme

Introduction to the MSME unit
Gargi Dhupkathi Udyog (henceforth referred to as GDU) is a small agarbatti manufacturing unit under the Milan SHG at Makhibaha village. The propreitor, Ms.Rekha Das has
constructed a small working area, screened with bamboo walls in the porch of her home which serves as the working area for women from the village
The roughly 10'x 6' space contains the work and storage area. Inspite of the space contraints, the work area is neat and clean
The GDU is mainly engaged in the application of the agarbatti masala to the bamboo stick cores. They also split and size the bamboo into sticks
the unit is one of the job‐workers for the BISP. Sticks and masala are supplied to them, they roll the masala onto the agarbattis and sell it back to the BISP. They also make a smal
quantity of agarbattis for retail in the local markets around the village
Of late, Ms Das has begun to experiment with scenting raw agarbattis, packaging them and retailing to local markets
Questionnaire for each unit visited
Sl. No. Topic Covered Remarks
1 Problems in product / process Y Inadequate infrastructure ‐ shortage of work tables for rolling process. They work two to a table.
2 Problems in packaging / visual identity Y
Packaging for the retail market consists of an assortment of boxes available from the market. The boxes bear
the identities of manufacturers in Bangalore
Level of awareness of new processes /
3 machinery
Y
Very poor. Dependant on the BISP for inputs, if any. Access to markets in Guwahati is limited due to the
distance from the village.
4 General observations
Inspite of space and financial constraints, the quality of agarbattis rolled here is fairly good. Ms. Das is very
keen on developing a simple and viable firm of packaging for her local market. She has already begun to
produce and sell scented agarbattis
5 Workstation and tooling details Y
6 Ergonomic Issues Y
7 Lighting in work areas Y
Tools consist of a small wooden table usually 15"x10"x4" for the rolling. However, no set sizes. Stick making
tools consist of a small wood‐handled knife called a katari. Manual cutting of bamboo with a hacksaw and
splitting with a large wood‐handled knife called a 'dao'.
Working position in this unit cross‐legged on the ground. Though the workers claim no discomfort, the neck is
craned downward for long periods of time.
None. Work happens only during the hours of 10 am to 3 pm, as this is the time the women are free of
household chores.
8 Worker oriented facilities (Canteen / toilets) Y Workers travel from their homes which are within walking distance, therefore none necessary
9 Skilled / semi‐skilled labour Y Mostly semi‐skilled
10 Wages Y Did not divulge, but mentioned a profit sharing mode of operations
11 Gender distribution in workforce Y All female
12 General obsevations
Cramped workspace and shortage of tools. However, a fairly good quality product and propietor is motivated
to improve conditions. The current workspace was constructed with a small loan and she is looking for another
loan to enlarge the workarea. According to her, more ladies are keen to join but are hampered by lack of
space.
13 Raw materials Y The powdered masala mix, charcoal powder, bamboo sticks
14 Raw material procurement Y
Charcoal powder and masala powders supplied at a cost of INR 30/‐ by the BISP. Sticks made in‐house and also
sold to the BISP at INR 16/‐ per kg
15 Method of purchase Y Direct from BISP
16 Storage facilities Y
An elevated area of 3'x2' at the further end of the workspace. Rolled agarbattis are dried outside the
workspace perimeter
17 Transportation details Y Cycles and motorbikes
In‐house facilities / indigenous innovations /
18 collaboration within units Y Initiating the scenting process for sale in local markets
19 Automation in manufacturing process Y None
20 Means of communication Y Phone
21 Methods of quality control Y Badly rolled agarbatties are re‐rolled. Otherwise, none observed
22 General observations
Masala bought at INR 30/‐ per kg suffices to roll 4kg of agarbatti. They supply rolled agarbattis to BISP at INR
40/‐ per kg
23 Mode of selling product Y Small retail market. Otherwise, jobworks for BISP
24 Designated marketing person / agency Y None mentioned
25 Electricity Issues Y
Fluctuating supply. However work happens during daylight hours and there is no electrically operated
machinery present
26 Raw material procurement Y Locally and from BISP
27 Labour Y No shortage of interested workers. However, they require a certain amount of training
28 Space Y Acute shortage of space
29 Government support Y Looking for financial support in terms of investment or a loan
30 Mode of financing operations Y
Self or generated by the selling of the agarbattis. Wants to expand but unable to do so due to severe financial
constraints
31 Business development plans Y Interested in developing a local retail presence
Willingness to collaborate with designer and
32 other units for future initiatives Y Willing to work with a designer. Not keen on collaboration with other units as perceived as competition
33 General observations
Acute shortage of financial support hampering any growth plans. The proprietor would greatly benefit from a
short course in basic accountkeeping