Empowering Indigenous Karbi Women: The Rise of Pirbi in Kaziranga

Indigenous women in Assam are transforming local economies through Pirbi, a community business initiative. By connecting them directly to markets, Pirbi enhances both earnings and biodiversity conservation. With local products gaining value, communities achieve financial and social security while preserving their cultural and environmental heritage.

In Assam's Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, indigenous Karbi women are leading an economic and cultural resurgence through a community business initiative known as 'Pirbi'. The initiative connects local farmers and artisans directly to markets, ensuring a fair value for their organic produce and handwoven textiles.

Pirbi, which translates to biodiversity in the Karbi language, employs sustainable and ethical trade practices. This approach minimizes middlemen, who often monopolize profits, and provides better financial and social security to the local communities. It ensures that indigenous products reach consumers willing to pay their true value, protecting both livelihoods and the ecosystem.

The initiative, registered in 2019, is managed by a committee from local communities and allocates 20% of its profits to growers and artisans while also investing in biodiversity conservation and community development. By promoting entrepreneurship among women and youth, Pirbi empowers these communities, safeguards cultural identities, and embraces equal opportunities and environmental stewardship.

(With inputs from agencies.)