Maize Leaf

Maize leaf craft is widely practiced in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where maize farming is common. After the corn harvest, the outer layers and dry husks of the maize plant are usually discarded as agricultural waste. Artisans collect these husks and transform them into beautiful handcrafted items. The maize leaves are cleaned, sun-dried, flattened and sometimes softened with steam or warm water. Because maize leaves are naturally flexible, lightweight and beautifully textured, they are ideal for weaving.

Products made from maize leaf include decorative trays, storage baskets, roti baskets, table mats, wall décor, floral arrangements, lightweight boxes, gift packaging and festive decor. These items have a soft, rustic charm due to the natural colour variations in maize leaves—ranging from pale cream to golden brown. The gentle colour tones match perfectly with modern minimalist interiors and eco-friendly lifestyle themes.

Bhartiye Crafts works with maize leaf artisans by providing design inputs, training workshops, quality checks and continuous work opportunities. Many of these artisans are women who use maize craft as their primary source of income. By connecting their work with buyers across India, Bhartiye Crafts helps ensure they earn a stable livelihood while preserving this traditional craft.