Abondoned coffee stems have multipurpose. House hold articles are prepared out of it.

Shama Sunder 2nd April 2009 Hassan.------------------ ----------------------------Photo uploaded: Uprooted Coffee stems are used for preparing ornamental and other handicrafts to be used as decorative pieces. In Sakleshpur, it had become a cottage industry.---------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------Uprooted Coffee stem are used for preparing ornamental and other handicrafts that are not only decorative but also sturdy.Dining table, chairs, TV Stand, book self, tables, teapoy and flower pots, sofa set are prepared out of coffee stem. HASSAN: Passengers passing through Sakleshpur in Hassan district on Bangalore Mangalore National Highway 48 do not miss ornamental pieces displayed on both side of the road. Sakleshpur is known as "Switzerland of the south" for its picturesque location and it is also famous for its delicious coffee, tea and handicrafts made out of uprooted coffee stem. They are not only ornamental, they are sturdy too.Ms. Isha and her husband J M Shabbir Ahamed are in this trade since 10 years. They collect the uprooted coffee stems (by planters) and dry them in the open. Then it is used to prepare ornamental items. The couple who had engaged 3-4 workers has exported the products to Dubai, Chennai, Kerala, Goa, Hyderabad, Nasik, Delhi, Hyderabad and Maharastra. Ms. Isha said the stem is sturdy and longstanding. The age of a coffee plant is 100 years but the planters uproot the plants once in 20-25 years. They purchase these uprooted stems and dry them. Then they use it for manufacturing ornamental as well house hold articles. The party had to put glass sheets on the frame that is made out of coffee stem.Ms. Isha said they prepare the products in 3 colors- natural, varnishing (solar varnishing) and in wood color. They scrap the stem before using. Remaining is carpentry work. Flower pots, dining table, Sofa set, TV Stand, book self are made. A TV stand costs Rs. 500 while with DVD stand, speakers and to hold 28 inch TV it would cost Rs. 2500. A dining table with 4 chairs would cost Rs. 3500. The articles are all weather proof and if they are kept in the open sun or in the rains, nothing would happen. The articles are sturdy and it comes to a minimum period of 20-25 years. Most of the articles they made are out of single stem. Each stem is more than 5 ft height with branches and the entire stem with branches are used for preparing flower pot tops, lamp tops, TV stand etc. Ms. Isha said the prices are negotiable. If there are more carvings, the prices would be more. They do not have business during rainy season. During summer, business is good. Thanks to the heritage houses and hotels that have come up in resorts, they received bulk orders to supply dining tables and chairs. Even they would transport items in Lorry if there is bulk order.All along national Highway 48 between Sakleshpur and Marnahalli, these articles are displayed on both side of the road. They also sell honey in 1 liter bottle that costs Rs.100 per liter.