Agra artisans do roaring business with cane furniture

Ongole: The people in the town found a great opportunity in the form of cane artisans from Agra. The public are happy with the custom-made furniture on order for the price and quality. Batchu Singh and Rakesh are from Agra and artisans of reed and cane.

They make furniture by mending the sticks and using ropes made using dry grass. They put up a makeshift workshop cum sale counter at the mini stadium near the bypass road since last week. The beautiful and quality products on display are attracting large number of people and the relatively cheap prices are convincing many of them to purchase one or two chairs or stools for home use.

Speaking to the media here on Thursday, Batchu Singh said, “We spend a fortnight or so in the towns like Ongole and move to another place. We bring the grass from Rajasthan and use it to make the furniture. We take customised orders from the public, who can explain the way they want the furniture.

Depending on feasibility and capacity of the material to survive for a few years, we accept the orders. We deliver the customised orders in 24 hours, but will be available in Ongole up to next Monday or Tuesday before moving to another place.”

These artisans also brought the fine ceramic articles which are famous in Agra. The flower vases and Tulasi pots are also attracting customers in large numbers.