The story
Mat-sedge (madurkathi) grows in the low-lying fields of Medinipur, and families have woven it into floor mats for generations. The finest variety, masland, was once made for royal households. Today the craft is GI-registered, and weavers also make table mats, bags and décor from the same reed.
In numbers
Around 1 lakh farm families are engaged in cultivating mat-sedge and weaving, while 4,432 artisans across 11 blocks in Medinipur are officially registered as Madur weavers.
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GI tag
- Madur KathiApplication no. Application No. 567Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
Ways in for a newcomer
- Design and sell madur table linen and décor to urban buyers
- Bulk supply of mats to hotels and resorts
- Natural dyeing and finishing services
Problems the cluster faces
- Low prices for plain mats
- Competition from plastic mats
- Weather damage to the sedge crop
Businesses to start here
Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →Online Folk Art and Art Gallery Marketplace →Palm Leaf Fancy and Utility Articles →