‘Basuki’ incense sticks catches imagination of Mahesh Bhatt

The fragrance of ‘Basuki’ brand of incense sticks which are being manufactured by women a Self Help Group ( SHG) in Jarmundi block of Dumka has caught the imagination of renowned film director Mahesh Bhatt himself.

Touched by its fragrance, Bhatt has released a video appreciating its quality. He personally called Dumka deputy commissioner Mukesh Kumar and lauded the steps taken for women empowerment by the district administration.

Bhatt also assured the district administration that he would be also available to participate in any such social initiative in which he may be called upon.

The success journey of the product is interesting too. In Basukinath area where devotees throng throughout the year in lakhs women engaged in manufacturing of Agarbatti gave brand name Basuki Agarbatti. Interestingly most of the women engaged in manufacturing Basuki agarbatti  were earlier involved in selling local liquor.

Manufacturing of Agarbatti is done on large scale in Dumka and has a large potential market in Dumka as well as Deoghar but due to inadequate branding and marketing the manufacturers did not get proper market for the product.

DC Mukesh Kumar took initiative that a brand name and an aggressive marketing will prove to be very helpful in establishing agarbatti trade in Dumka and will result in earning profit and employing large number of persons.

The district administration identified areas where manufacture of agarbatti can be started on large scale. It also provided machines to the manufacturers so that more production can be done in less time.  Basuki Agarbati was formally launched at an event in Ranchi by Chief Minister Raghubar Das.

Currently, SHG women are working on 30 machines for the production of Basuki Agarbatti in Bedia village of Jarmundi Block.They are working day in and day out to manufacture it as the Shrawani Mela is drawing near and the demand is likely to increase manifold.

“The district administration is providing all feasible help and support and plans to engage 300 women in its manufacturing in the offing. Most of the women engaged in manufacturing Basuki agarbatti  were earlier involved in selling local liquor. They are finding this profession more respectful and lucrative both in terms of dignity and income. Moreover,they don’t have to move to other places, they can manufacture them in their homes. At the same time, they can pursue other works and do manufacturing work in the spare time,” said DC Mukesh Kumar.