SATKHIRA, June 5 The country may earn a huge amount of foreign currency from the export of handicrafts made by the people of Satkhira district tf proper attention is given.

The people of the district especially the women folk pos sess the skills of making different kinds of Jute bags and textures locally called chhika which has a high demand In foreign markets

Some exporters are earning a lot by selling them abroad The jute bags and Milkas' are generally made by the women folk of the district during their leisure.

But the craftsmen connected with these Industries are not getting proper incen lives and patronisation

The women of the district make a kind of cake with rice powder locally called fool pt

tha or "pakkan pUhd' many of the distinguished foreign guests praised the arts Fool pllhas (flower cakes) whllt these presented to them by the local per,pie.

The experienced circle feel that the authorities concerned should examine the viabilities for exporting the above hand! crafts and cakes which accord-

ing *to them possess the potentialities of earning foreign exchange and remove unemployment problems of the district to a great extent.

A kind of nylon rope especially used for the purpose of tying the Whistles of the army and police personnel with uniforms Is made by some women of the district. But the makers of these profitable c ommodities poorly paid

Many of the people of the district make fine bamboo and cane baskets of various types during their leisure mainly In rainy season.

Sometimes they are beautifully coloured with a view to making them attractive Many women make excellent embroidery works on these baskets and hand fans But the craftsmen of these handicrafts do not feel encouraged for lack of minimum patronisation.