Visionary young entrepreneurs are keen to revive country’s heritage nature-friendly crafts using the versatile elephant grass, locally known as hogla pata, driven by a rising demand both domestically and internationally.
The remarkable appeal of hogla pata lies in its minimal requirements for water and nutrients, enabling biannual harvests and year-round storage when sun-baked. This hardy grass finds its purpose woven into exquisite yet robust handicrafts, including baskets, ropes, hats, and even roofing and fencing.
One such trailblazing entrepreneur is Mahfuzul Goni, a 30-year-old visionary hailing from Parbatipur Upazila in Dinajpur. In 2011, he graduated with a degree in textiles and ventured into the textile industry through an internship in Savar.
Goni's journey is one of unwavering determination and resilience. At his Gani Creation factory in Savar's Bhatpara area, he oversees the meticulous craft of transforming hogla leaves into stunning handicrafts. The baskets, hats, and ropes, ready for delivery, bear witness to his tenacity in reaching this point.
Undeterred by his initial setback, Goni embarked on a journey of training and experimentation. He counted losses engaged in several agro businesses after the training. In 2018, Goni rekindled his entrepreneurial spirit, returning to Savar's Bhatpara area with three months of experience. Armed with only three workers, he commenced crafting hogla leaf handicrafts.
Beyond his personal aspirations, Goni is motivated by a sense of responsibility to the environment and society. Through Gani Creation, he employs over two thousand individuals from across the country. Hogla leaves are sourced from various regions, and the factory has grown from a single room to four sheds, producing around 200 different products.
Goni's journey has been marked by hurdles and challenges, but his resilience paid off. He has earned a place on the exporter's register, sending products to France and Germany, with discussions underway with buyers worldwide. The World Bank's Export Readiness Fund recognized his achievements in 2022, and he received the best small entrepreneur of the year award from the National SME Foundation.
Notably, Gani Creation operates entirely on solar power, and Goni has established the 'Gani Foundation' to fulfill his social responsibility. The company collaborates with the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) to provide special training to physically challenged individuals and offers training to underprivileged women through the Center for Zakat Management (CZM).
His company, Gani Creations, employs approximately 200 individuals, with women constituting 70% of the workforce. Employee welfare is a top priority, with health insurance and medical facilities provided through a contract with the Gonoshathya Kendra. Goni is also considering establishing a daily school for illiterate workers and offering training to new recruits.
Goni's vision extends beyond crafting eco-friendly products; he envisions creating a labor-friendly working environment and plans to expand his operations with a factory of his own in the near future. His legacy embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, and a commitment to fostering positive change in both the environment and society.
