Abstract:
Disposable items like cups, plates, saucers are being increasingly used. Such disposables items
are made with natural materials like leaf as well as manmade products like paper, plastics. Leaf
plates are being increasingly used in urban areas during marriage parties, festive occasions when
large number of people are invited to take food. Besides, many people prefer leaf plates as they
consider them to be more hygienic than manmade products.
The cost of hiring steel plates for parties is about Rs 3/- per plate at Guwahati. In addition, the
cost of bowl/small plate is Rs 2/- per unit. Thus, if steel products are to be hired for marriage
parties/festive occasions, the net hiring cost per set will be Rs 5/- per set. Hiring of steel utensils
also requires payment of security deposit. On the other hand, the cost of a set of leaf plates along
with bowl is Rs 2.00 to Rs 2.50 per set and no security deposit is called for. In view of the cost
benefit and greater hygiene value, leaf plates have considerable demand.
