Sabai Grass Rope and Weaving Jharkhand Odisha

Sabai grass (Eulaliopsis binata) is a wild grass harvested from the hills of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh to produce rope, baskets, mats, and handicrafts. Tribal and rural women twist dried sabai strands into rope on a simple wheel device and use the rope to weave floor mats, baskets, and decorative items. Sabai grass products have GI protection in Odisha. In Jharkhand, sabai collection provides critical dry-season income for tribal women in Palamu, Garhwa, and Latehar districts. Jharkhand Tribal Development Society organises sabai collection, processing, and sale through SHG federations. Value-added products including wall hangings, placemats, and storage baskets are produced for export craft buyers. Sabai craft is being promoted under the Jharkhand government's One District One Product scheme for Palamu district.