Kudumbashree - Success Story of Samrudhi Coir Defibering units

A mind which was willing to work hard. That was the only thing that the NHG women who led the Samrudhi Coir defibering unit of Ammanapara of Kannur district of Kerala had as their only asset. The unit functioning under the leadership of Pariyaram CDS of Kannur district. That courage itself brought this unit, which was started during July 2017 to a greater success. This unit is now one among the successful enterprises of Kudumbashree Mission. 6 women, Smt. T. Saima, Smt. K. Suma, Smt.P. Nandini, Smt. Bindu, Smt. K. Anitha and Smt.M Sindhu from different neighborhood groups under Pariyaram Community Development Society (CDS) are running this unit together. The unit which was formed by joining these women are now earning more than Rs 8000 a month.

Evolution of Samrudhi Coir defibering unit

Samrudhi Coir defibering unit was evolved as a result of Kudumbashree Mission’s plan to start an enterprise based on traditional job sectors and help women find livelihood of their own. The Panchayath also extended full support to Kudumbashree and Samrudhi Coir defibering unit became a best example of a convergence project. Those who were interested to work in this sector were identified by Kudumbashree and were extended enough training. This unit also has the support of Coir Department of Kerala. The Coir Department gave the machinery worth Rs 10 lakh to the unit. Rs 1 lakh was availed from Co-operative Bank as bank loan, out of which Rs 1 lakh was given aa subsidy by Kudumbashree Mission. Kudumbashree also gave Rs 50,000 as revolving fund too. The enterprise functions at the building of Thaliparambu Block Panchayath.

Coconut husks being bought at a rate of Rs 1.50 is turned into fibre and is given to the Coirfed functioning at Alappuzha district of Kerala. And they get Rs 21 per kilogram of coir. The coir is produced from 4000 coconut husks a day. Other than this, coconut pith, the byproduct from coconut husk is given to the different wards of the Panchayath. The training they received from Coir Vigyan Kendra helped them in this. The compost is being sold at a rate of Rs 10 per kilogram.  The unit functions 6 days a week and based on the attendance register, every member is given Rs 300 as daily wages.  The loan repayment is also done along with this.

With their committed work, Samrudhi Coir defibering unit had been bringing in changes in their lives and also in a traditional job sector which was getting extinct. Through this unit they are indeed raising themselves. It is sheer confidence that brought the micro entrepreneurs of Samrudhi Coir defibering unit to greater heights. By extending opportunities to many women like the entrepreneurs of Samrudhi Coir defibering unit, Kudumbashree Mission is giving wings to the dreams of many.