Bhimal fiber is used in an interesting way.
Bhimal, if you belong to Uttarakhand, you all might have heard the name of this tree, right?
For those who are not aware of this word or this tree, Bhimal is a local tree that is found in abundance in the lower Himalayan region, especially in Uttarakhand. Bhimal, also known as Grewia optiva, is a small tree ranging from 15 to 20 meters.It is grown in agroforestry systems alongside horticulture crops such as taro (Colocasia esculenta) and turmeric (Curcuma longa)
It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is primarily grown in mountainous areas. Seeds and vegetative cuttings can both be used to propagate them. It produces 1000 to 2000 grams of green leaves per plant per year. From the lower Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas to 7000 meters, Bhimal grows abundantly alongside agricultural ground in the Uttarakhand districts of Chamoli and Pauri.
Some other common names of bhimal are:- Bhimal, biul, beul, bhiunal, dhaman, भीमल, भ्युल
Uses of bhimal
It’s a versatile tree that provides leaf feed, fiber, and fuel. Bhimal is often cultivated around rural areas
In previous times bhimal was only used as have to feed cattle, but nowadays, its uses has been extended to several other things.
Bhimal is highly rich in fiber, and thus, utilizing this advantage of bhimal, Women and local artisans of villages are pretty creative, and they make beautiful, exquisite products with bhimal.
Villagers employ a technique called retting to remove the fiber from the bhimal. During the winter, the tree’s branches are clipped and immersed in water for a month. Pounding is used to remove the fiber from the wet branches. The leaves are given to animals as a folder. Only extracted fiber is used to make ropes, slippers, mats, and other articles.
Bhimal can also be used to make shampoo.
Grecia optiva trees are a blessing to the indigenous inhabitants of Uttarakhand, given their attributes. The Uttarakhand government’s Rural Development and Industrial Sector must take proactive steps to improve the livelihood of talented and dedicated craftspeople. Bhimal is superior to jute and can improve the lives of Uttarakhand’s youth significantly.
We at yellow hills have created these unique slippers from Bhimal tree, which are environmentally friendly and 100% biodegradable.
These slippers are super comfortable and affordable too.
Moreover, our bhimal carpets look super aesthetic and add a new glow to your dull house corners.
By buying our products, you are not only doing a good deed for nature but also supporting the livelihoods of local women of Uttarakhand.
We are bringing together the community of so-called ‘housewives’ to dive into a creative endure.
We want our Women to realize they are more than they give themselves credit for; they are loved and unique.
Join our little venture and help us attain our aim to encourage people to live healthier and better life.
By smriti Nautiyal
