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Understanding The Reasons for Failure and Probable Solutions of Allahabad Moonjkari Works (Local Handicraft Using Waste Green Material): A Study in Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship
Subject area: Management and Commerce · Area of research: Management
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1713732
Abstract
Allahabad Moonjkari Works was established in 2016 by Dr. Saumya Bahadur in Prayagraj under the Blossoms Goonj Society as an experiment in sustainable social entrepreneurship. The project sought to revive and promote moonj craft?an indigenous, eco-friendly art form made from wild moonj grass that grows naturally along the banks of the Yamuna River. This grass possesses unique fibrous and water-resistant properties, making it ideal for creating durable, biodegradable household items. The initiative aimed to empower uneducated and unemployed rural men and women by providing them with training and employment, thereby addressing both environmental and social concerns. However, despite its strong conceptual foundation in sustainability and ethical employment generation, the model faced multiple challenges in execution. The enterprise struggled to maintain economic viability due to high transportation costs, limited access to international niche markets, and the use of non-eco-friendly chemical dyes that undermined its environmental goals. Furthermore, ensuring fair wages for artisans while keeping product prices competitive proved unsustainable within the existing market framework. This paper critically analyses the reasons behind the failure of Allahabad Moonjkari Works through the lens of the three pillars of sustainability?environmental, social, and economic?and identifies the systemic issues that led to its collapse. By applying creative problem-solving and sustainability frameworks, it proposes innovative and practical solutions to overcome these barriers, including process automation, eco-friendly dye innovation, cooperative-based ownership models, and strategic partnerships with wholesalers. The study concludes by presenting a universal conceptual model derived from the Moonjkari experience?a replicable structure that integrates ethical production, environmental responsibility, and financial feasibility. This model aims to serve as a guiding framework for future social enterprises seeking to transform local crafts and natural materials into sustainable economic opportunities.
References
[1] Rana, Anurag. “Moonj Grass – A Narrative.” Global InCH – International Journal of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Issue 42, Summer 2023. This presents details about moonj grass, its harvesting along the Yamuna, and craft applications. Global InCH+1
[2] “Changeri / Moonj Grass Basket Craft of Haryana.” Global InCH – International Journal of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This describes the craft in Haryana (outer layer of sarkanda/moonj, coiling technique, basket types). Global InCH+1
[3] “Analysing the effect of sustainable entrepreneurship on the family-based moonj craft and pattal (leaf plate) industry in the handicraft sector in India.” Multidisciplinary Reviews. This research paper examines how sustainable entrepreneurship affects moonj craft livelihoods (including women artisans, digital technology adoption). Malque
[4] “The grass is green for the moonj weavers of Allahabad.” National Herald India. This article provides an on-ground/descriptive account of moonj craft in Prayagraj (Allahabad) region: harvesting, artisan lives, skill and participation. National Herald
[5] D’SOURCE. “Moonj Basketry, Allahabad – The craft of Moonj-wild grass products.” (PDF document) This provides detailed introduction, tools and process, product types for moonj craft in Allahabad region. Dsource
[6] “Moonj ‘bank’ to replenish artisans’ raw-material stocks all year long.” The Times of India. This news piece discusses raw material supply issues (moonj grass) and attempts at institutional support in Allahabad. The Times of India
How to cite this paper
@article{1713732,
author = {Dr. Saumya Bahadur},
title = {Understanding The Reasons for Failure and Probable Solutions of Allahabad Moonjkari Works (Local Handicraft Using Waste Green Material): A Study in Sustainable Social Entrepreneurship},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {1557-1562},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1713732.pdf},
abstract = {Allahabad Moonjkari Works was established in 2016 by Dr. Saumya Bahadur in Prayagraj under the Blossoms Goonj Society as an experiment in sustainable social entrepreneurship. The project sought to revive and promote moonj craft?an indigenous, eco-friendly art form made from wild moonj grass that grows naturally along the banks of the Yamuna River. This grass possesses unique fibrous and water-resistant properties, making it ideal for creating durable, biodegradable household items. The initiative aimed to empower uneducated and unemployed rural men and women by providing them with training and employment, thereby addressing both environmental and social concerns. However, despite its strong conceptual foundation in sustainability and ethical employment generation, the model faced multiple challenges in execution. The enterprise struggled to maintain economic viability due to high transportation costs, limited access to international niche markets, and the use of non-eco-friendly chemical dyes that undermined its environmental goals. Furthermore, ensuring fair wages for artisans while keeping product prices competitive proved unsustainable within the existing market framework. This paper critically analyses the reasons behind the failure of Allahabad Moonjkari Works through the lens of the three pillars of sustainability?environmental, social, and economic?and identifies the systemic issues that led to its collapse. By applying creative problem-solving and sustainability frameworks, it proposes innovative and practical solutions to overcome these barriers, including process automation, eco-friendly dye innovation, cooperative-based ownership models, and strategic partnerships with wholesalers. The study concludes by presenting a universal conceptual model derived from the Moonjkari experience?a replicable structure that integrates ethical production, environmental responsibility, and financial feasibility. This model aims to serve as a guiding framework for future social enterprises seeking to transform local crafts and natural materials into sustainable economic opportunities.},
month = {January},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1713732}
}